Sitamarhi: The India–Nepal border in Sitamarhi district has been sealed from March 2 to 5 in view of Holi and the March 5 elections in Nepal, prompting heightened security measures and intensified joint patrolling along the 93km stretch, officials said. Emergency services, however, have been exempted from the restrictions.District magistrate (DM) Richie Pandey and superintendent of police (SP) Amit Ranjan recently inspected several border points and issued necessary instructions to officials. Pandey has also been in constant touch with the district administrations of Rautahat, Sarlahi (Malangwa) and Mohattari in Nepal regarding security arrangements and emerging challenges, sources said.SSB officials held meetings with Nepal Police at Bherahia, Lalbandi and near pillar numbers 316/20 and 316/21. Security has been strengthened, and a coordination and information exchange centre has been set up.The restrictions have impacted cross-border movement, which typically rises during Holi when residents visit relatives across the international boundary. Ram Niwas, a resident of Malahi village in Sitamarhi, said he would not be able to visit his relatives in Nepal this year.SSB Lalbandi East post inspector JDS Thenelesh said personnel are maintaining strict vigil on multiple issues, including alleged cases of double citizenship and claims of some locals being registered as voters in both countries. He said additional deployment would be made if required.
