Donation terror on Mechi Highway

ILAM, Feb. 24: Entrepreneurs and businessmen in Ilam district have started using alternative routes after surge in the number of different groups asking for donations on the Mechi highway.



The businessmen have started using the dust road at Harkate, Jirmale, Daile and Gadagalli for transporting exports from the district like broomsticks, cardamom and ginger.[break]



Traders transport their export goods to Dhulabari, Kakarbhitta, Birtamod and Naxal in India by using this road.



Many vehicles ply on the alternative road to Jhapa passing through Harkate, Jirmale and Daile areas. Up to 25 vehicles ply on this road.



It is said over a dozen groups collect money from the vehicles at different places from Fikkal up to Budhabare in Jhapa on the Mechi highway. Drivers say they have to pay more than Rs. 5,000 in illegal tax to these groups while transporting goods from Fikkal to Budhabare.

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