The India-Nepal border will remain closed for three days in this part of Uttar Pradesh, officials said, "Avoid crossing.":Indo-Nepal Border: Citizens of both India and Nepal have been advised to avoid crossing the border during the restricted period unless absolutely necessary.

News Topical, Digital Desk : The India-Nepal border will remain closed from midnight of March 2 to midnight of March 5 in view of the general elections in Nepal on March 5, officials said on Friday.

Sudhir Sharma, in-charge of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) located at Rupaidiha in Bahraich on the India-Nepal international border, said that the Home Ministry of Nepal has issued an official letter on February 26 regarding the closure of the border.

According to the letter, to ensure that the election process is conducted in a free, fair, intimidation-free and credible environment, all border posts in the entire part of Banke district bordering India will remain closed from 12 midnight between March 2 and 3 to 12 midnight on March 5.

Sharma said that import and export of goods through the checkpoint will be suspended during this period. However, the movement of essential medicines and other vital items will not be stopped.

Instructions issued to enforce restricted movement

Ganga Singh Udavat, Commandant of the 42nd Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal, said that following a letter issued by the Nepal administration, instructions have been issued to implement the 'limited movement' system on the border from midnight of March 2 to the polling night on March 5.

He said that extra vigilance is already being maintained at the border and people are being allowed to cross the border only after thorough checking and verification of identity documents.

Citizens of both countries have been advised to avoid crossing the border during the restricted period unless absolutely necessary.

Udavat said a large number of Nepali voters live in India for employment and business purposes. Such voters, along with seriously ill patients and those carrying essential goods, could be allowed to cross the border under the supervision of security forces.