Indian authorities halted the movement of Nepal-bound bicycles and motorcycles at the Raxaul-Birgunj border point for two hours on Tuesday.

The Indian security forces blocked the border without prior information. They stopped bicycles and motorcycles at around 3pm, leaving Nepal-bound people stranded for over two hours until 5:30pm when they opened the gate. Indian officials refused to comment on the obstruction citing “orders from higher authorities”.

The Indian personnel also heightened the checking for pedestrians crossing the border. Jaya Prakash Sarraf of Ghadiarwa, Birgunj, who was trying to cross the border on his motorcycle said he was stopped at the border.

There was no presence of Indian customs officials due to the holiday on the occasion of India’s Republic Day. The Birgunj-Raxaul cross-border trade route has been obstructed since September 24.