International borders in parts of North Bengal were sealed on Monday, a day before the counting of votes for the state assembly elections, to maintain law and order. The closures affected key entry points along the India-Bhutan and India-Bangladesh borders, with cross-border movement and trade temporarily suspended.
The Kalchini-Bhutan border gate at Banarhat, the Jaigaon-Bhutan border in Alipurduar, and the Phulbari border near Siliguri were shut as part of the precautionary measures. Authorities also imposed restrictions on the entry of Bangladeshi citizens, allowing only those with valid travel visas to return. Emergency medical services, however, have been kept operational.
Borders sealed, trade suspended
According to Jalpaiguri District Magistrate Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, the restrictions were put in place to prevent any disruption during the sensitive vote-counting period. Border trade has been completely halted during this time.
The Bhutan government also issued a notification stating that all border gates adjoining West Bengal would remain closed from 6 AM on May 3 to 6 AM on May 5. This includes the Chamurchi gate in Jalpaiguri district and the Jaigaon gate in Alipurduar. Commercial transportation across these routes has also been suspended.
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Bhutan's authorities said the move was aimed at ensuring that any potential unrest related to the election results in West Bengal does not spill over into its territory.
Locals express concern over business impact
The temporary closure has affected local trade and daily movement in border areas. Many small businesses depend on cross-border customers and transport.
A local resident from Chamurchi said, "The gate has been closed due to vote counting. This will affect business because many traders here depend on visitors from Bhutan."
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Another resident said, "Tourist movement and commercial vehicles have both been stopped. The step has been taken to prevent miscreants from moving across borders."
Officials said the restrictions are temporary and will remain in force until the completion of vote counting. The administration has increased monitoring in border areas to ensure the situation remains under control.
The measures reflect heightened security arrangements ahead of the announcement of election results.
