Nepal-India border checkpoints have been shut down for 72 hours starting from midnight on Monday as a security measure for the upcoming Nepal parliamentary elections on Thursday. This closure is a customary practice to prevent any disruptions by ‘unwanted elements’ during election periods in both Nepal and India. Deputy Inspector General Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, the spokesperson for the Armed Police Force (APF), confirmed the halt in cross-border movement of people and goods, except for essential items, until Thursday midnight.
The APF has been assigned the responsibility of ensuring border security during this period. The decision to close all border points with India aligns with the Integrated Security Plan 2025 for the elections. Local administrations in Nepal’s bordering districts have informed the public about the 72-hour closure of the Indo-Nepal border.
During this closure, essential goods like fuel will be allowed for transportation, and arrangements will be made to assist foreign nationals stranded at border areas to reach their destinations within Nepal. Nepal is gearing up for fresh parliamentary elections to elect 275 members to the House of Representatives, the lower house of Parliament.
In preparation for the elections, local administrations in border districts have prohibited the use of vehicles with foreign number plates, a common practice in Nepal’s border regions. Deputy Inspector General Bhatta highlighted the coordination with India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to prevent infiltration by undesirable groups, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance due to unrecovered weapons and ammunition looted during the Gen Z movement.
