Miscellaneous
India ups security on border
Indian authorities have tightened customs clearance on Nepal-bound container trucks and stepped up security at several border points.Coinciding with a strong-worded Indian statement on the unrest in Nepal after the adoption of the new constitution, Indian authorities have tightened customs clearance on Nepal-bound container trucks and stepped up security at several border points.
Twenty-three tankers belonging to Nepal Oil Corporation were stopped for 24 hours in Raxaul from entering Birgunj—the main entry point of Nepal-India trade.
Jitendra Dutta, a customs clearing agent, said the Indian customs officials asked the Indian shipment companies to provide a ‘no objection’ letter certifying that they would borne any physical loss to the shipped containers.
“After the agents failed to provide the certification, the Indian authority denied permit to ferry the containers,” Dutta said.
Issuing a press statement on Monday, New Delhi had said “Indian freight companies and transporters have voiced complaints about
the difficulties they are facing in movement within Nepal and their security concerns, due to the unrest in Madhes”.
Agents said an official in Raxaul declined to give the customs clearance to Nepal-bound consignment, citing lack of instructions from the higher authorities. NOC spokesman Deepak Baral said the Indian customs only allowed to transport fuel following a government letter. “Fuel shipment was allowed after a letter from the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies,” he said.
According to the NOC, 23 tankers loaded with aviation fuel that were stranded in Raxaul on the India-Nepal border were allowed to cross into Nepal on Tuesday.
The NOC said the Indian customs authority had asked for the complete documentation to permit the gasoline supply. “After forwarding the related import documents and providing assurance to ferry them safely with help of security escorts, Indian authorities agreed to give permit,” Baral said.
Another 23 tankers loaded with petrol, diesel and kerosene entered Nepal through Bhairahawa-Sunauli customs point, Baral said.
Birgunj Customs Office also claimed that the delay in submitting related documents to the Indian customs led to the problem. “Having submitted the documents, the containers have now started to enter Nepal,” said Sushil Sharma, information officer at the Birgunj Customs Office. He added that a problem with the internet server at the Indian customs also added to the delay.
Commerce Secretary Naindra Prasad Upadhyaya said that the supply was being maintained with the help of security escorts. “Essentials including, the petroleum products, are being transported on daily basis,” he said.
No delays have been reported in other customs points. Rabindra Pyakurel, chief at Bhairahawa Customs Office, said 300 trucks carrying daily essentials and industrial raw materials entered Nepal on Tuesday. Meanwhile, India’s border security force, SSB, has stepped up security in Bhitthamod point along Nepal-India border in Mahottari district. The vehicular movement across the border has been banned, affecting the people in both the countries. People are allowed to cross the border only after a tight security check.
The Indian authorities said the security was heightened along the border suspecting infiltration, in view of the ongoing protests in the areas of Nepal bordering India and upcoming election in Bihar. An SSB officer deployed in the area, however, claimed that there was no restriction on Nepali people from taking limited essential goods through the border point.
Security has also been beefed up along Nepal-India border in Kapilvastu district. The vehicular movement has been banned while cross border movement of the people kept under surveillance. Several Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims, who were trying to cross into Lumbini, were reportedly turned away by the Indian security forces.
(With inputs from Bhusan Yadav, Madhav Dhungana & Pawan Yadav)
No blockade: India
NEW DELHI: Indian officials said security was tightened along the Nepal border in view of the upcoming Bihar polls. They, however, ruled out the possibility of a blockade. “But we might have to tighten security further if the situation across the border worsens,” said the officials.