Following the formation of a new government in Nepal, conditions at the India-Nepal border are appearing normal. On Saturday, passenger vehicles, cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, and freight trucks were seen crossing the Rupaidiha border. A substantial number of commercial trucks entered Nepal, though the movement of ordinary citizens remained sparse.
Ganga Singh Udavat, Commandant of the 42nd Battalion of the Armed Border Force (SSB), reported that circumstances have begun to normalize since the new government's inception. Consequently, nobody was stopped on Saturday, although entry was granted only after identity verification. He mentioned that constant monitoring of citizens and vehicles through border posts is ongoing.
Typically, around 50,000 people pass through the Rupaidiha border daily, but on Saturday, the number dwindled to approximately 20,000. Meanwhile, a group of about 20 Indian pilgrims bound for the Kailash Mansarovar journey made their way towards Nepal from Rupaidiha.
Vehicular Movement between Nepal and India
According to PTI, in-charge officer of the Land Port Authority, Sudhir Sharma, stated that the faces of drivers and helpers of trucks, lorries, tankers, and containers stranded for five days brightened with joy as all vehicles were sent to Nepal on Saturday, and all commercial vehicles stuck in Nepalgunj returned to India.
Sudhir Sharma noted that over 500 commercial vehicles, loaded with diesel, petrol, gas, and food materials, were dispatched to Nepal from the integrated check post (ICP) of Rupaidiha on Saturday. Meanwhile, hundreds of empty vehicles returned to India after completing their supply delivery. Currently, no vehicles are stuck at the Rupaidiha-Nepalgunj border.
Source: aajtak
India's 99% Export, 1% Import
He also emphasized that this border is crucial for India's trade. The commerce here comprises almost 99% exports and only 1% imports, with herbal medicines being the sole import from Nepal. On Saturday, two trucks loaded with herbal medicines reached India from Nepal.
What’s the State in Nepal Now?
Recent large-scale Gen-Z protests in Nepal originated from the government’s ban on several social media platforms but rapidly evolved into a voice against deep-rooted corruption, nepotism, economic inequality, and high unemployment among the youth.
Online activism on platforms like Discord played a critical role in organizing this leaderless movement, leading thousands of youths to take to the streets on September 9. The protests escalated into violent clashes, resulting in over 50 casualties and considerable property damage, including government and political party buildings.
This turmoil led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, with former Chief Justice Sushila Karki appointed as the head of an interim government tasked with preparing for new elections, scheduled for March 5.
Source: aajtak
Source: aajtak
