Jamunaha border shut for 72 hours

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Mar. 4: The 65-kilometre border between Banke district in Nepal and India, including the Jamunaha border point, has been completely closed for 72 hours in preparation for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.

The District Administration Office of Banke announced that all border checkpoints, including Jamunaha and other auxiliary points in the district, will remain closed from midnight on Monday for the full 72-hour period to ensure a clean, fair, peaceful, and fear-free election.

According to an agreement reached during a recent meeting between security officials from border districts in Nepal and India, the border will be entirely shut from midnight on 18th February until midnight on March 5, said Chief District Officer Dil Kumar Tamang. He said that for election security, not only Nepalese authorities but also the Indian administration will fully close the border from their side. During this period, no one will be allowed to cross except for ambulances or other essential vehicles, the District Administration Office said.

Meanwhile, the District Police Office of Banke reported that security personnel have been deployed in greater numbers at Jamunaha and all auxiliary checkpoints, with continuous patrols in place from March 2 to 5.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Angur GC said that most polling stations in Banke, which shares a border with India, are considered highly sensitive. Security arrangements have been strengthened accordingly, including the deployment of additional personnel.

To further ensure strict and effective border security, joint patrols by both Nepali and Indian security forces have been initiated at the checkpoints.