481 licenced firearms handed to administration in Madhes
Four hundred and eighty-one firearms (guns) have been handed to the district administration in Madhes Province, in response to the notice issued targeting the House of Representatives elections.
According to the Madhesh Province Police Office, Janakpurdham, weapons have been received in that number to date following the notice issued by the district administration offices under the province to conduct the election in a free and fearless environment.
Although there are records that various individuals in eight districts in the Province have obtained 2,531 licensed firearms, the office has stated that only 481 have been received so far. There are still 2,050 firearms remaining to be surrendered.
The local administration had issued a notice to surrender weapons to the nearest police unit or district police office.
Viral fever outbreak affects lives in Mugu
The viral fever outbreak has affected lives at Narkhaji Village in Khatyad Rural Municipality-9 of Mugu district.
The fever outbreak that began on February 19 spread quickly across four settlements, impacting children and the elderly.
According to locals, the entire village has been affected, raising serious health concerns.
According to Khem Rokaya, around 400 people are currently ill.
A medical team from the Primary Health Center Ratapani visited the village and examined around 300 patients till February 24.
Only one health worker is currently stationed at the Narkhaji Health Post.
Amar BK, in-charge of the health post, said that more than 20 patients are seeking treatment daily. The facility, however, has run out of medicines due to the sharp rise in demand, he added.
Dr Bikash Dhital from Ratapani said 50 people have been vaccinated and warned that the situation could worsen if medicines and manpower are not managed on time.
Health workers warn that the fever could spread to neighboring settlements if immediate measures are not taken.
Meanwhile, with the House of Representatives elections slated for March 5, candidates from various political parties have been visiting the village to campaign.
However, locals complain that no concrete steps have been taken to address the shortage of medicines and health staff.
Officials from the rural municipality said that more medicines are being sent from Nepalgunj while the District Hospital Mugu stated that it can provide further medical supplies once a formal request is submitted.
Borders to be sealed for 72 hours before elections
The government has decided to seal the border entry points with India and China for 72 hours prior to the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5.
A meeting of the Senior Election Security Committee made the decision to this effect in line with Section 6, Clause (i) of the Election Security (Management) Directive, 2025.
The Committee said the move is aimed at maintaining peace and security during the elections .
Concerned authorities will carry out all specified security-related tasks to ensure a safe and orderly voting process, the Committee added.
The Election Commission has urged all stakeholders to provide necessary facilitation and coordination to implement the decision effectively.
Alcohol sales banned till election period
The sale, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages have been banned for the entire election period.
The Election Security Committee made the decision to this effect.
The ban will take effect seven days before voting day and remain in place until the final election results are announced.
Voting is scheduled to begin at 7 am on March 5.
The Committee, formed under the Election Security (Management) Directive 2021, said the restriction is part of the election security plan to ensure a free and fair voting environment.
The Election Commission said that additional measures have also been adopted to conduct the polls in a free and fair manner.
Meanwhile, election campaigning will be prohibited from midnight on Mrach 5.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed chief district officers and security agencies to strictly enforce the election code of conduct.
District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committees have been activated to prevent violations under the Election (Offences and Punishments) Act, 2016 and the Election Code of Conduct, 2025.
On voting day, the operation of public and private vehicles will be banned from midnight on March 4 until the evening of March 5.
Only essential service vehicles, diplomatic mission vehicles and those with special passes will be allowed to operate.
Essential services include ambulances, fire engines, hearses, blood transfusion vehicles and vehicles used for security, electricity, water and telecommunications repairs.
