The party has mobilized YCL members round the clock to keep vigilance and ensure that the trucks do not enter Nepal. The Maoist in-charge in Kailali Hari Gyawali said the trucks will not be allowed to move under any circumstances. [break]
“We are not aware as to why the explosives have been imported,” Gyawali said, adding, “We are not sure if the explosives are for construction purpose. That could only be an excuse.”
Gyawali said some 50 YCL members have been posted at the border. He expressed doubts that the explosives could have been imported by the state for use against the ongoing Maoist agitation. He said no one can say what is inside the seal packed containers.
The truck drivers have said that the explosives have been brought from Jharkhand state of India for the power project. One driver Avatar Singh said the trucks reached the border on May 3. Singh said that one Prakash Khanal who was supposed to receive the trucks at the border has not turned up so far.
In the document, it is stated that the sealed explosives is ordered by China Gojuwa Water & Power Project for Chameliya project from India Explosive Limited.
Project director Keshab Bhatta said the explosives are imported for tunnel construction after approval from the Defense Ministry.
“Due to continuous bandas, the Nepal Army could not escort the trucks and that is why they are stuck at the border,” Bhatta said. He added, “Indian side has been giving security to the trucks.”
“This is a routine process,” Bhatta said adding that explosives have been imported three or four times in the past as well.
Meanwhile, Kailali CDO Narayan Prasad Bidadi expressed no knowledge of the incident. Customs officer at Gauriphanta AK Pandel said the trucks have been stranded due to incomplete documents.
Testing of 40 MW Upper Chameliya Hydroelectric Project commence...