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Nepal Protest Against Balen Shah Govt: Protests have begun in Nepal against the Bhansar (custom duty) rules recently implemented by Balen Shah’s government. According to the new policy, tax will be imposed on all goods worth more than 100 Nepali rupees imported from India.

After this order, Nepal’s Armed Police has tightened security at the border posts with India in the southern plains of the country. Although this rule was made many years ago, it was not implemented until now due to practical reasons. The new strictness has provoked anger among the people and traders of the border area.

Demonstration to withdraw the decision

People and stakeholders living in border areas say that this move is increasing difficulties for them. For a long time they have been dependent on Indian markets for cheap goods. Nepal-India Open Border Dialogue Group on Saturday demanded the government to immediately amend the customs policy. Local people are protesting in border towns like Birgunj.

The organization says that the rule is putting unnecessary burden on the people of the border area and there is a need to take public-friendly steps keeping in mind the social, cultural and economic relations of Nepal-India. Major demands of the organization include removal of tax on goods worth more than Rs 100 and implementation of zero duty on goods for household use.

Officials defended the government

Nepal Customs Department Director Kishore Bartaula defended this strictness and said that this step is necessary to control smuggling. He said that this policy has been implemented to stop the trend of smuggling of small items in large quantities by common people. He says that this can also benefit the traders of border cities of Nepal.

Additionally, private vehicles registered in India are now barred from entering Nepal without permission, exacerbating the problem in the border districts of Madhesh. Political parties and local residents have expressed anger against the government’s decision.

India also increased strictness

After this step of Nepal government, India has also increased its retaliatory strictness. The checking of people going to and coming from Nepal has been tightened. Information about those coming on foot and by bicycle can be recorded, and it has been made mandatory for everyone to show identity card.