JHAPA: The eastern border crossing at Kakarbhitta–Panitanki has been sealed for 72 hours from Monday evening in view of the assembly elections in West Bengal.
According to Khagendra Bahadur Khadka, information officer at the District Police Office, Jhapa, the Darjeeling District Administration Office halted the movement of people and vehicles across the border from 6:00 pm Monday until voting concludes on April 23.
Such temporary closures are a regular practice during elections, implemented through coordination between Nepal and India to ensure security. During the “border seal” period, all general movement—including pedestrians and vehicles—has been suspended.
However, exceptions have been made for medical emergencies and other urgent cases, provided individuals present valid identification.
Khadka added that tourists from Nepal and Bangladesh will also be allowed to cross the border if they show proper documents, with facilitation provided by Indian authorities.
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