Indian customs and immigration offices and security agencies on the border have continued to use three similar refrains to stop the inflow of goods into Nepal for the past week.

Despite the denial of a blockade, Indian agencies on the ground are citing insecurity on Nepal’s side, reluctant transport entrepreneurs and tightened security checks behind the simultaneous disruption of essential supplies to Nepal.

The first sign of blockade appeared on September 22, the same day when Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on epal’s new constitution

that also hinted at supply disruption citing transporters’ complaints.

There appears to be a clear pattern: Trucks transporting petroleum products and goods imported from third countries have been stopped on the border, whereas those with perishable goods such as vegetables and fruits were released.

“The Indian customs officials and security agencies have created hassles for the transportation of essentials. Only 100 cargo trucks were permitted to enter Nepal via border where around 500 trucks enter Nepal every day,” said an officer at the Bhairahawa customs point.

Customs records show only 15 cargo trucks entered Nepal on September 23 and 24 while the number fell to five on September 25 and 26. On September 27 and 28, 44 and 61 trucks, respectively, brought goods in.

According to Nepal’s Consulate General’s Office in Kolkata, around 150 cargo trucks enter Nepal via Kakadvitta daily. But that has come down 12 to 15 every day in the past one week.

“In Kakadvitta there is neither protest nor security complaint by transport entrepreneurs and agents. But the trucks are refused entry or face long delays in

clearance,” said a Panitanki-based trader.

The story is similar at other busy customs points including Birgunj, Biratnagar and Nepalgunj.

Consul General Chandra Kumar Ghimire said he has requested senior customs and security officials at various entry points to normalise the movement of carriers. Despite their assurances, the supply situation remains the same, he added.

According to Ghimire, some 1,500 containers of goods imported from third countries have been stranded in Kolkata and Haldia for a week. Besides, 80,000 tonnes of coal and 50,000 tonnes of chemical fertiliser are stuck in Kolkata.

Stranded cargo trucks

-     Kakadvitta (Panitanki)- More than 300

-     Birgunj (Raxaul)- More than 800

-     Bhairahawa (Sunauli)- More than 300

-     Biratnagar (Jogbani)- More than 400

-     Nepalgunj (Rupaidiha)- More than 200

-     Kanchanpur (Banbasa)- Supply regular