Security officials from Nepal and India have agreed to shut down border checkpoints for 72 hours to ensure a secure environment during Nepal’s parliamentary elections on March 5. The decision was made during a meeting between Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) and India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Biratnagar. Both sides aim to tighten border controls to prevent any disruptions during the elections.
DIG Bishnu Prasad Bhatt, the APF spokesperson, mentioned that it is a common practice in both countries to close border points before elections to maintain security at polling centers. The closure will include the election day, with measures in place to prevent the movement of unwanted groups across the border. Discussions also covered topics such as border security, cross-border crimes, and prevention of illegal activities like human trafficking and smuggling.
The meeting addressed concerns about possible infiltration by militants from Kashmir and Pakistan taking advantage of the open border between Nepal and India. Additionally, talks focused on protecting border pillars, facilitating passenger movement, conducting joint patrols, and disaster rescue drills. Both sides agreed to identify vulnerable border points, assess risks, and monitor refugee and migrant activities closely.
Strict enforcement of a ban on intoxicating substances in border areas was also emphasized during the meeting. Coordination meetings like these are held twice a year, alternating between Nepal and India, to enhance border security and cooperation between the two nations.
