India-Nepal border to shut briefly on July 24 and 28 for Uttarakhand panchayat polls
While the closure officially applies to July 24 and 28, two of the key checkpoints will shut down for longer periods:Pulghat checkpoint in Darchula will be closed from the evening of July 21 till the morning of July 24.Jhulaghat checkpoint in Baitadi will remain shut from the evening of July 25 until the morning of July 28.These extended closures are meant to cover the periods immediately before the polling days, often considered sensitive from a security standpoint.However, it's not a complete lockdown. In case of emergencies, the checkpoints may be opened temporarily through mutual agreement between the authorities of both countries, officials said. This applies to situations involving medical emergencies or critical travel requirements.The border between Nepal and India is open under normal conditions, with people on both sides crossing frequently for trade, family visits, education, and healthcare. However, during elections or security-sensitive periods, temporary restrictions are often placed to prevent illegal activities, smuggling, or movement of troublemakers.Authorities on both sides have coordinated in advance to implement the temporary closures and ensure the smooth conduct of the elections across the border in Uttarakhand, which shares several rural access points with Nepal's western districts.The panchayat polls are expected to witness active participation from local voters in Uttarakhand's hilly regions, prompting the Indian side to enhance vigilance and request cooperation from Nepalese officials.Travellers and locals who regularly use the Pulghat and Jhulaghat checkpoints are advised to plan accordingly and avoid unnecessary travel during the closure days.More such temporary closures are not uncommon during Indian state elections, especially in districts that share open borders with Nepal.- Ends
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