BIRGUNJ, Jan 24: Movement of supplies through the Birgunj-Raxaul border point, that was obstructed due to the sit-in protests staged by cadres of the agitating Madhesi parties since the last four months, has now been relaxed under pressure from locals.
Four months and four days have elapsed since the inflow of supplies via the Raxaul border point came to a complete halt.
However, transportation of supplies by porter through the Birgunj customs point had already resumed some two weeks ago. Local transportation entrepreneurs and traders have been transporting the supplies late at night.
€movement of supplies through the border point is yet to resume during daytime. It is learnt that local traders and transportation entrepreneurs have been taking advantage of the fewer of number of demonstrators at the boarder sit-ins.
The Raxual-based customs office has started completing the documentation process for supplies since the last 10 days.
Revenues amounting to an average of Rs 300 million per day are generated through the Birgunj customs point alone when the supplies movement is normal, as per Birgunj Customs Office. However, revenue of only around Rs. 30 million is generated these days through the partial relaxation of supplies movement, according to customs spokesperson Sushil Sharma.
Importers complete the required documentation process during daytime and trabsport their goods at night.
“As cargo has started entering Birgunj in small quantities through the border, we have started working accordingly,” spokesperson Sharma said.
Meanwhile, Chief District Officer (CDO) Keshav Raj Sharma also confirmed that Indian customs has started to allow supplies through the border of late.
Clothes, readymade attire, shoes, footwear and hardware are among the goods currently being imported into Nepal from India through Raxaul.
The maximum amount of petroleum products and raw materials for industry are supplied from India via the Raxaul border point. Supplies of these items are yet to resume.
With this partial relaxation of movement through the border point, many feel that the blockade will be cleared within a few days.
“The documenation process for goods will not be halted anymore. There may be obstructions at the border, but the blockade may be cleared in a few days,” said a custom clearing agent at Raxual customs.
FIR filed by Madhesi demonstrators
Munni Shreevastava, a Madhesi demonstrator, has filed a first information report (FIR) with a police unit in Raxaul.
The protester registered the FIR after coming under frequent attack by local traders and smugglers during the sit-ins at the Nepal-India friendship bridge on the Birgunj-Raxaul border. Over two dozens Madhesi demonstrators sustained injuries due to attacks at different times.
On the basis of the the FIR, investigations have already been forwarded, according to chief of the police unit Rajeshwar Prasad.
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