The Birgunj-Raxaul border crossing has been completely closed since 6 am on Saturday in view of the second phase of assembly elections in the Indian state of Bihar.

The District Administration Office, Parsa, issued a notice on Saturday stating that the border checkpoint has been closed. Assistant Chief District Officer of Parsa, Suman Kumar Karki, said that movement has been restricted except for essential activities from 6 pm on Kartik 22 to 6 pm on 25. 

The notice states that it has been decided to completely seal the checkpoint until 6 pm on the election day, Kartik 25. The border has been closed as per the understanding of the meeting of the Nepal-India Border District Coordination Committee on Asoj 29.

The second phase of elections is being held on Kartik 25 in Raxaul, Areraj, Sikata, Motihari and other areas under Bihar's East Champaran district.

From a security perspective, the Bihar government had requested to seal the border 72 hours in advance. Although it was initially said to be sealed 48 hours in advance, Karki said that the checkpoint was closed from 6 am on Saturday after a sudden 72-hour notice was received on Friday night. Currently, security agencies of both countries have jointly increased surveillance.