Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) supporters obstructed Nepalgunj-Rupaidiha border point on Wednesday, which was relaxed for the past one month. Protesters restricted even bicycles and motorcycles from plying the street saying that they bring petrol from Indian bordering towns and sell it at high rates in Nepal.

The situation remained tense after protesters stopped locals at the border area and requested them to refuel their motorcycles in Nepalgunj. Hundreds of bicycles, motorcycles and rickshaws were stranded at Jamunaha after protesters prevented them from going to Rupaidiha in India.

Madhu Shahi of Nepalgunj said they are unable to get petroleum products in Nepalgunj. “The ongoing banda and unofficial blockade have affected us,” Shahi said.

However, SLMM protesters allowed vehicles bearing Indian number plates to move in the area. Some SLMM leaders said they were compelled to resume protests in the border point after their demands were not addressed. They obstructed the border point till 2pm on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, police arrested three Morcha protesters in Biratnagar. Deputy Superintendent Police Pramod Kharel said they held Morang Chairman of Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Raj Kumar Yadav, District Chairman of Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Mohammad Kadir and another leader Kanhaiya Sah at Mahabir Chowk after they refused to cancel a corner meet set to be held in the area. Following the leaders’ arrest, enraged Morcha supporters torched two motorcycles and pelted stones and bricks at police.

In Rautahat, two people suffered burn injuries when SLMM protesters allegedly set fire on a motorcycle at Jayanagar Chwok in Garuda-13 on Tuesday night. Motorcyclist Ram Prabesh Sah Teli and Suresh Sah of Garuda-2 were injured in the incident. The protesters said the two were returning from Gaur after refueling their motorcycle.

Likewise, some students at Kalaiya in Bara district demonstrated against China saying that the northern neighbour supported the government against Madhes protest.

Hill-origin people stage protests

RAJBIRAJ: Hill-origin people staged demonstrations at Rajbiraj in Saptari demanding that the government should address the demands of protesting Madhesi community. They chanted slogans expressing solidarity with the issues of Madhesi people and urged the government to resolve the ongoing political problems soon.

11 fuel tankers enter Nepal

DHANGADHI: Eleven fuel tankers entered Nepal from customs point in Kailali and Jhapa on Wednesday. Nine fuel tankers entered Nepal from Trinagar Customs point in Kailali. Dhangadhi depot of Nepal Oil Corporation said two petrol tankers and seven diesel tankers entered Nepal. Similarly, two tankers carrying petrol and aviation fuel entered Nepal from Kakadvitta customs point in Jhapa.

(With inputs from our district correspondents)