Eastern border closed for 72 hours due to Indian elections

Birtamod, April 21: The eastern border crossing, Kakadvitta and others, has been closed for 72 hours starting Monday evening, in view of the legislative assembly elections in India’s state of West Bengal.

According to Khagendra Bahadur Khadka, Information Officer at the District Police Office, Jhapa, movement of people and vehicles has been halted from 6:00 PM Monday at the Panitanki checkpoint, which borders Kakadvitta, until voting concludes on April 23.

The legislative assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled for April 23. In the past as well, border crossings have been temporarily closed by mutual agreement between Nepal and India ahead of elections.

During the “border seal” period, pedestrian and vehicle movement is fully restricted. However, patients seeking medical treatment and individuals with urgent needs may be allowed to cross upon showing valid identification.

For tourists from Nepal and Bangladesh, Indian authorities will facilitate movement if they present proper identification documents to return to their home countries. Nepal