LAHAN, Oct 8: Lahan market has transformed these days into a stage where two interesting scenes unfold everyday. In one, agitating cadres of United Democratic Madhesi Front swarm the street from early morning with placards and batons in hand. These people clash with police everyday. In another, a huge crowd is seen jostling for bus tickets to Pokhara and Kathmandu.
On Wednesday, the Madhes movement entered 54th day. As Lahan swelters under punishing heat, some agitators demonstrate throughout the day and head to home as sun sets. Others walk to shops that serve beetle nuts to exchange views on political issues. On the other hand, the struggle of those in need of bus tickets continues late into the night. Due to the banda, buses do not operate during the daytime. So, the people have to wait till a police team arrives to escort the vehicles.
Mahommad Irshad of Lahan-9 was one of the passengers lucky enough to get a seat in a bus to Kathmandu on Tuesday. His family had warned him against traveling at a time when agitators have frequently targeted passenger buses. However, Irshad is determined to get back to the capital. He had been visiting his hometown for Bakar Id.
"I have a job in Kathmandu. I have to reach there at any cost," said Irshad.
According to Shambhu Chaudhary, many people from the region work in Kathmandu and some have to travel to the capital to get their visa and passport made. "Only those with unavoidable reasons have been traveling to the capital these days. Those who need passports, visas or have to appear in court have no option but to travel despite all odds," he said.
Chaudhary said that people in Lahan are worried about their kin living in Kathmandu in the aftermath of the India imposed blockade. "They have been sending food stuffs and essential items like oil," he said.
Meanwhile, the police keep a sharp vigil on the cadres of Madhesi Morcha the whole day. In order to maintain order, it opens fire, shoots teargas shells and patrols the whole area with batons and riot gears. The same police escort vehicles during night. For that, they carry several tools such as iron rod, axe, broom, and so on. According to DSP Uma Chaturvedi, Lahan Police Chief, the police have to clear the road obstructed by protestors placing tree trunks, timbers, pillars, pipes and sometimes even pieces of glasses.
"In the day time, we have to keep the demonstrators under control, and at night, we have to ensure safety of passengers. So this is our job these days," said Chaturvedi.
While escorting the vehicles, the policemen don helmet, bullet proof jacket and essential tools to thwart any possible attack. Chaturvedi said even bus drivers have been asked to wear helmet while driving their vehicles.
Some highway sections riskier
Katadbhitta-Kathmandu section of the East-West highway is not as risky as many other road sections in other parts of Tarai. From Kadadbhitta to Itahari, the journey is often free of hassle. The 206 kilometer from Itahari to Nawalpur, Sarlahi is considered dangerous in view of frequent attacks by the protestors.
According to DSP Narayan Prasad Chimoriya, several teams of police escort buses throughout the night. "The passenger buses move in between the vehicles of the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force," Chimoriya explained. "Often protestors attempt to attack buses if they come to know about lax security," he added.