Motihari: The Raxaul border along the India–Nepal frontier has been completely sealed following reports of violence in Nepal. All cross-border movement has been suspended, including traffic on the Maitri Bridge, as security agencies step up measures to prevent any spillover.
Additional personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal have been deployed on the Indian side, with intensified checks on vehicles and pedestrians. Dog squad teams have also been pressed into service as part of heightened security arrangements. Officials said only ambulances and essential medical services are being allowed to cross from India as a precautionary measure.
The decision follows reports of clashes between two communities in Birgunj, located in Nepal’s Parsa district, earlier in the day. Nepal Police have deployed extra forces, imposed restrictions, and increased patrols in areas close to the Bihar border to bring the situation under control.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it is closely monitoring developments. The ministry confirmed that border security forces remain on high alert and advised Indian citizens in the region to remain cautious.
The closure has disrupted daily cross-border trade, with traders in Raxaul reporting losses as the movement of goods has come to a standstill. Officials said the situation is being reviewed continuously, and further steps will depend on how conditions evolve in Nepal.
The Raxaul–Birgunj crossing is one of the most important gateways between India and Nepal, reflecting the deep social and economic ties between the two countries. Often described as roti-beti relations, these links are evident in the constant movement of people and goods across the border.
Raxaul lies about 210 kilometres from Patna, while Birgunj is roughly 130 to 140 kilometres from Kathmandu, underlining the strategic and commercial importance of the route.
