Kharibari, 03rd March: The India-Nepal border at Panitanki under Kharibari was closed from today for 72 hours in view of the general elections scheduled in Nepal on March 05.
According to sources, cross-border movement and trade between citizens of both countries will remain completely suspended during this period. However, ambulance services have been kept operational. The border is expected to resume normal operations from the morning of 06th March.
As the Panitanki border trade largely depends on Nepali citizens, local businesses are likely to be affected. Panitanki Byabasayee Samiti secretary Deepak Chakraborty stated that though losses are inevitable, the impact is expected to be comparatively lower than previous instances. Traders along the border are closely watching the developments regarding Nepal’s election results and the formation of the new government.
Meanwhile, following the sudden closure, several citizens from both countries were seen stranded at the border on Tuesday.