Kathmandu. The Nepal-India border will be closed before 48 hours for the upcoming elections to the House of Representatives.

The decision was taken during the 16th DIG-level coordination meeting between the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal and India in Biratnagar, Morang, APF Spokesperson Bishnu Prasad Bhatta said.

Issues including border security, exchange of information, control of illegal entry of citizens of third countries, human trafficking, fake currency and smuggling of arms and narcotics were discussed in the meeting.

During the coordination meeting, the two sides also discussed on the protection of border pillars, passenger facilitation, joint patrolling, disaster rescue drills and conducting mutual sports activities, according to the APF.

Both sides have agreed to identify possible transit points along the border areas and assess the possible threats from them, monitor the movement of refugees and migrants and make regular checks by forming different layers.

According to the APF, the meeting also discussed on controlling the possible infiltration of criminal elements and completely banning the sale and distribution of alcohol along the border.

Brigade commander of APF Nepal No. 1 Baraha Brigade Headquarters, Sunsari, DIG Kumar Neupane viewed that the border was not just a line between two countries, it was a symbol of friendship.

Similarly, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Deputy Inspector General Saroj Kumar Thakur pledged to further strengthen Nepal-India border areas in the days to come.

Deputy Inspectors General of APF Anjani Kumar Pokhrel, Dipendra Shah, Krishna Dhakal and Manish Thapa and DIGs Saroj Kumar Thakur, Manjeet Singh, Suresh Subramanim, Rajesh Tikku and Manish Kumar were present in the meeting.