Business community of Ramechhap has started a protest against the Supreme Court (SC)’s decision to ban heavy vehicles on the BP Highway.

Business owners in the district on Tuesday rallied wearing black headbands and carrying banners and placards that demanded withdrawal of the SC order.

The rally was organised Ramechhap Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The chamber has announced a week-long protest programme to pile pressure on the government to allow heavy vehicles on the highway. Following the SC order on June 4, supply of petroleum products and construction materials to Ramechhap, Dolakha, Okhaldhunga and Sindhuli via Tarai have been obstructed, according to traders. They said BP Highway was the only route that linked the four districts with the Tarai.

Pawan Sapkota, a local businessman, said shortages fuel, cooking oil, rice and other essentials were cropping up in different places.In Ramechhap and Dolakha, he said goods were being ferried by tractors.Province 3 lawmakers from the districts affected by the apex court directive have also expressed concern over shortage of essentials.

They are preparing to write to the SC requesting the latter to consider the decision.