Dozens of Nepalis have been stranded on the Chinese side after the local administration sealed the Rasuwagadhi border point for 96 hours from Wednesday night in view of Sunday’s vote. 

At least 40 people, including drivers and businessmen who had gone to China to import goods, have been stranded at the border, said a local businessman Mukunda Paudel  of Kalika Village Council over the phone. “People have got stuck on their way back,” he said. Around 150 Nepali containers have been stranded in Kerung area as a result. Locals vented their anger over the authority’s move to seal the border without taking into account the number of Nepalis on the other side of the border.

Kedar Paneru, chief of the Rasuwa Customs Office, said he was unaware of the situation. The decision was reached two days ago at a meeting between Nepali and Chinese authorities in Kerung. Chief District Officer of Rasuwa Chomendra Neupane, along with security officials, had led a delegation to Kerung and held meeting with China’s Jilong County deputy administrative officer, customs chief, immigration officers, among other Chinese authorities. 

The border will remain shut until midnight Sunday, Neupane said. “The border has been sealed for 96 hours.”

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has directed the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police personnel deployed in the border region to shut the border crossings until the May 14 midnight to prevent any infiltration. 

Ministry Spokesperson Balkrishna Panthee confirmed the sealing of the border sealing, but said the ambulances and vehicles ferrying essential goods will be allowed to cross the borders.