SIRAHA, Oct 13: People in areas near the border with India continue to make cross-border movement, in large numbers, into Indian markets.
Although the main border checkpoint is closed following the government’s decision to shut down the international border points, people are seen walking across the border via fields and subsidiary roads.
People living in settlements near the Nepal-India border are still moving to the Indian markets as there is no market in their localities. At the same time, goods are relatively cheaper in the Indian market at a time when the major festivals are around the corner.
To make it to the Indian side of the border, people travel through the fields and streams. Scores of people are crossing the border in this way without adopting any health safety measures amidst the looming risk of the coronavirus infection.
Mayor of Balara Municipality in the district, Abhaya Kumar Singh said the people are crossing the border using the routes via fields and river banks as the main transit point is closed. The Indian markets are closer and it is convenient for them to go there for shopping for daily essentials and other commodities.
He said the sick people who need to be immediately taken to health facilities in towns across the border in India are facing inconvenience due to the closure of the main border checkpoint.
People from Godaita, Bishnu, Ramnagar, Kaudena, Malangawa, Bramhapuri, Parsa, Haripurba, the areas in the southern belt of the district, usually go to the Indian markets for shopping and medical treatment.
Chief District Officer Surendra Poudel said although people are allowed to cross the border for medical treatment and for essential and emergency works, the main border transit point can not be opened unless the federal government decides to this end. According to him, the import of various goods and consignments is taking place through the main checkpoint.
(with inputs from RSS)