NEPALGUNJ, MAY 1
The Jamunaha transit point on the Nepal-India border here will be closed for two days. The border is being sealed in view of the Nagar Panchayat municipal elections in Baharaich District of India which adjoins Banke district. The election is taking place on May 4.
The Indian authorities have informed that the border transit point will be completely sealed off from midnight of May 2 till 6.00 pm on May 4, said Bipin Acharya, the Chief District Officer of Banke. He added that the Nepali security agencies would also be informed of this.
According to him, the border transit point is being closed for two days in view of the risk of security challenges during the election due to the open border.
The local officials of the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal and the Indian Seema Surakshya Bal (SSB) have also held discussions in connection with carrying out joint patrols along the no-man's land on the border.
However, essential services including ambulances, vehicles carrying wedding parties would be allowed to cross the border during the period the border is sealed off, in coordination between the security bodies of both countries, the Indian security officials said.
The APF Bageshwari No 30 Battalion said surveillance has been increased at other border transit points also due to the open border. Similarly, the sale, distribution and consumption of alcohol have been banned on places on both sides of the border.
