District Administration Offices have issued public notices announcing the closure of border crossings in the southern districts including Sarlahi, Mahottari, and Rautahat for 72 hours in coordination with India’s Bihar state.
The decision comes ahead of the second phase of Bihar’s legislative elections, following the successful completion of the first phase on Wednesday.
According to Sarlahi’s Chief District Officer, Ramu Raj Kadariya, the border will remain sealed from 6 p.m. on Saturday (November 8), until 6 p.m. on Tuesday (November 11).
He stated that a high alert has been issued in view of the elections across the border.
Assistant Chief District Officer of Mahottari, Sanjay Kumar Pokharel, added that the closure was implemented in coordination with Indian authorities as part of joint security measures.
Out of Mahottari’s 15 local levels, five, Matihani Municipality, Jaleshwor Municipality, Manrasiswa Municipality, Samsi Rural Municipality, and Sonma Rural Municipality share a 38.4-kilometre border with Bihar.
Officials from both countries had convened a joint meeting a month ago to discuss security arrangements for the Bihar elections.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation, enhance information exchange, coordinate border patrols, and monitor criminal activities.
Since then, both Nepali and Indian security agencies have intensified joint patrols along the border region.
During the 72-hour restriction period, all cross-border movements will be suspended, except for humanitarian services and emergency cases. The measure aims to ensure security and prevent any untoward incidents linked to the elections.
Sealing the border for 72 hours during elections whether in Nepal or India has now become a standard security protocol.
With tight coordination between the security forces of both nations to maintain peace and order.