Jamunaha border reopens partially

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Sept. 13: The Jamunaha border point between Nepal and India in Banke district, which had been closed due to the recent Gen Z protests, was partially opened on Friday by the Indian security forces.

Authorities had sealed the crossing following incidents of arson and vandalism, but as the situation in Nepalgunj and surrounding areas gradually returned to normal, Indian officials eased restrictions.

Ramesh Singh Rawat, chief of the Indian Police Station in Rupaidiha, India, said that since Wednesday morning, only those with urgent needs were allowed to cross. However, from Friday, limited movement was permitted, though the border remained officially closed. 

“Considering the improving situation in Nepal, we have relaxed the restrictions to some extent,” Rawat said.

Previously, India had only allowed entry for Nepali patients, ambulances and emergency cases, while denying passage to Indian citizens travelling into Nepal. From Friday, however, movement, subject to strict identity checks and thorough questioning, has been allowed both ways.

Rajesh Thapa, a resident of Melkuna, Surkhet, who was returning home from India, said he was only allowed through after repeated questioning and inspection of his documents. “Many others were not permitted to cross,” he added.

Indian security forces had closed the border following orders from the central government after nationwide protests by Gen Z students intensified. 

Nepali security forces are also conducting strict checks on both Nepali and Indian citizens crossing the border. Armed Police Force personnel, supported by the Nepali Army, have been deployed to maintain order at the crossing.

On Tuesday afternoon, protesters had torched and vandalised the Jamunaha police post, the area police office and the customs passenger section, leaving them in ruins. Nepali Army forces took over command of security on Thursday morning, after which Nepali police were redeployed to the border point.