Jamunaha border sealed for 72 hours

By Siraj Khan, Nepalgunj, March 3:  The 65-kilometer-long border in Banke district adjoining India has been completely sealed for 72 hours for the House of Representatives election (HoR) scheduled for March 5 on Thursday. 

According to the District Administration Office, Banke, all border points in the district, including the Nepal–India Jamunaha checkpoint and auxiliary crossings, have been closed for 72 hours starting from Monday midnight. The measure aims to ensure that the election is conducted in a free, fair, peaceful, and fear-free environment.

Chief District Officer of Banke, Dil Kumar Tamang, said that the decision to seal the border was made following an agreement reached during a recent meeting of Nepal–India border security officials. 

He said, “Not only Nepal, but the Indian administration has also completely closed the border from its side for election security.”

During the specified period, no movement of people will be allowed through the border checkpoints except for ambulances and other essential vehicles.

The District Police Office, Banke, has increased the number of security personnel at the Jamunaha checkpoint and other auxiliary crossings, and has begun continuous patrols from March 2 through the night of March 5.

According to Superintendent of Police Angur GC, most of the polling stations along the border are highly sensitive, so security arrangements have been strengthened. It has also been reported that security personnel from both countries have begun joint patrols.