Dharchula traders threaten to close markets, border bridge over Nepalese import restrictions
Dharchula traders threaten to close markets, border bridge over Nepalese import restrictions
Pithoragarh Sept 22
Traders in Dharchula, a major border market along the India-Nepal border, have threatened to close their markets and the border bridge from September 26 if Nepal does not withdraw restrictions on the import of several Indian goods.
The traders said the restrictions, which have been in place for the past three months, have severely affected business in Dharchula, Baluwakot and Jauljibi, where traders have traditionally depended heavily on customers from Nepal.
“Due to the ban imposed by the Nepalese government on the import of vegetables, milk, milk products and several grocery items over the past three months, the Indian markets of Dharchula, Baluwakot and Jauljibi have virtually been left without customers. These markets have depended on Nepalese customers for decades,” said Bhupendra Singh Thapa, president of the Dharchula Traders’ Union.
Dharchula Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ashish Joshi said the issue appeared to be linked to changes in Nepal’s customs policy. He said Nepalese customs officials had been returning certain goods purchased by Nepali citizens from Indian markets for the past two months.
“We have discussed the matter with our counterparts in Nepal in the adjoining district. They have said that they will take a positive view of the matter after receiving instructions from senior officials of the concerned department,” the SDM said.
“While vegetables purchased from Indian markets have been returned by Nepalese customs for the past six months, over the last two months they have also started returning grocery items purchased by their citizens from Indian markets across the border,” Joshi said.
According to administration sources, the issue was also raised at the last meeting of the India-Nepal Coordination Committee, comprising senior officials from the bordering districts of the two countries. However, no concrete action has been taken so far, the sources said.
The traders have warned that if the restrictions are not withdrawn by September 26, they will shut their markets and the border bridge as a mark of protest.
