Panchthar. The District Administration Office (DAO) has banned the movement of people from the border with India during the election period.

The administration has banned the movement of people along the Nepal-India border till midnight of March 2. Chief District Officer Basudev Dahal said the border points were completely sealed off to hold the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 4 in a free, fair, fear-free and secure environment.

Panchthar shares a 44-km border with Sikkim and West Bengal of India. But people from both sides of the border cross the border for family, business, tourism and livestock. Due to the family relationship on both sides, there is regular movement. According to the administration, the border points have been closed as per the Election Security (Management) Directive.

According to the District Administration Office, emergency health service providers, ambulances and other vehicles certified by the security officials will be allowed to operate during the closure of the checkpoint. The administration has banned the movement of vehicles and people from Chiwabhanjyang, Falot and other areas despite the absence of the border.