KATHMANDU, Jan 20: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has accused the government of abetting the black marketing and depriving the general public's right to basic livelihood.
The commission has said that its inspection teams found that illegal trade of petroleum products has been taking place right under the noses of security agencies and government officials at Thori border point in Parsa district.
The NHRC in its statement issued on Wednesday has said that the security agencies have turned a blind eye to the illegal activities that pose serious safety hazard in the area.
"The ongoing smuggling and black market in fuel in several parts of the country have seriously endangered the general public's right to unhindered livelihood. Therefore, the commission urges the government to immediately stop such activities and protect general people's consumer rights," read the statement.
NHRC's inspection teams found petroleum products have been stored under tarpulins on the river bank in Thori along the Nepal-India border and that such illegal storage and trade are being given protection. It has pointed out that such act has caused huge loss in daily revenue generation, the major source of the country's economy.
The NHRC also drew the government's attention toward the regular involvement of youth and children in transporting petroleum products in buses, trucks, jeeps, tractors, motorcycles and cycles. It has said that by allowing the youth and children in such activities, the government agencies have encouraged youths to engage in criminal activities.
The commission drew the conclusion based on findings of its inspection along various border check points in Rupandehi, Nawalparasi, Chitwan and Parsa districts.
In Thori, Subarnapur and Nirmalbasti of Parsa, the inspection teams witnessed that the petroleum products were being smuggled right in front of the security forces.
They saw petroleum products being traded in similar fashion in Belhaiya near Bhairahawa. "It was found that a big accident may take place any time as no security measures were adopted while storing petrol, diesel, kerosene and cooking gas," said the NHRC. "It was also found during the inspection that around 150,000 liters of fuel is illegally imported on daily basis through the Thori checkpoint alone."
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