Apr 20, Kathmandu - The border crossings at Kakarbhitta in Jhapa and Pashupatinagar in Ilam will be fully closed for 72 hours starting this evening at 6 PM, in preparation for the upcoming West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for Baisakh 10. The District Administration Office of Darjeeling announced that the border will reopen on Baisakh 10 at midnight.

During this period, all pedestrian movement and vehicle crossings will be completely halted. Exceptions include essential services and medical emergencies, where individuals with proper identification and documents will be permitted. Foreign tourists will be facilitated, and vehicles carrying perishable goods will be allowed entry. Meanwhile, the Bhadrapur-Gulgulia border crossing will remain open.

The closure aims to enhance border security, especially at the Bhadrapur crossing, which is connected to the district. Entry from Bhadrapur into West Bengal will be strictly regulated. The first phase of the West Bengal elections will take place on April 23, covering 16 districts and 152 constituencies, with approximately 3.6 crore voters participating.

Indian authorities have deployed central security forces across all polling stations and have heightened security measures in the districts, according to Indian media reports.