Some of the Birgunj folk claimed that the ongoing Indian blockade has made them smugglers.

Jagadish Kurmi of Sirshia Khalwa Tola, who was working at a business firm in Birgunj, said he has been earning around Rs 5,000 a day by carrying fuel from the Indian side of the border.

Smugglers have been carrying petroleum products, cooking gas cylinders and other daily essentials from the Indian side. Local shopkeeper Prabhu Kumar said that the sales of meat and liquor have increased due to the easy earning. “Several malpractices have increased due to the prolonged banda and blockade,” he said.

Sanjaya Khetan of Global Construction Consultancy said locals are earning money easily these days. Local traders, however, said they are worried due to the ongoing situation in the border area.

Meanwhile, Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha cadres organised a torch rally in Kalaiya on Thursday. The participants said the rally was held to show their strength.