GORAKHPUR, Nov. 5 -- Uttar Pradesh districts that border Bihar have been put on high alert as the neighbouring state gears up for the first phase of its assembly elections on Thursday. Over a dozen entry points into Bihar across Kushinagar, Deoria, and Maharajganj districts of the Gorakhpur division were sealed on Tuesday evening, following the conclusion of the election campaign in Bihar. In Kushinagar, which borders Bihar's Gopalganj, at least seven border points - including Kuchay Kutta, Katya Vijayipur, and Panch Devari - have been sealed. Similarly, Desai, Marwan, and Paktahwa areas of Deoria district, which neighbour Siwan district, have also been closed. Gopalganj and Siwan are both set to go to polls on November 6. Kushinagar SP Keshav Kumar inspected several police stations along the border and directed officials to maintain strict vigil and coordinate closely with security forces. There, 43 barriers have been installed in Saalemghar and Tamkuhi Raj to monitor the illegal movement of narcotics, unaccounted cash, and other suspicious items. Deoria district magistrate Dibya Mittal said liquor shops located near the Bihar border had been ordered to remain shut for two days. As per the directive, all liquor shops within a 3 km radius of the state boundary will remain closed from 6pm on Tuesday to 6pm on Thursday. Similar restrictions will be enforced on November 14, the day of vote counting, confirmed state excise commissioner Dr Adarsh Singh. Deoria SP Sajeev Suman said police teams were deployed along the interstate border to strictly enforce the restrictions. "Vigilance has been increased at checkposts to prevent smuggling and the illegal sale of liquor," he added. These checkposts are being jointly monitored by teams from the police, administration, and excise departments to prevent the smuggling of liquor, cash, or other items that could influence the electoral process. ASP Kushinagar Nivesh Katiyar said, "Our top priority is to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections. Every vehicle is being checked thoroughly, and no suspicious movement will go unchecked. All measures are being taken in compliance with the Election Commission's Model Code of Conduct." HTC...