Birgunj market remained closed on Friday morning as locals protested against the road expansion drive launched by Birgunj Metropolitan City.

Agitating residents shut shops and burnt tyres at Ghantaghar Chowk, expressing anger over the removal of structures during the expansion. The market closure was enforced until 11am.

Protesters also placed black flags on buildings along the main road in a symbolic show of dissent.

On Tuesday, house owners submitted a memorandum to Chief District Officer Ganesh Aryal, accusing the municipality of demolishing homes and structures beyond its jurisdiction and demanding an immediate halt to the drive.

The municipality began the expansion work from the customs area on Monday, citing a Supreme Court ruling. Bulldozers were used on Monday and Tuesday to demolish houses and other physical structures on the western side of the highway.

The expansion is taking place along the main road section from the Miteri Bridge on Tribhuvan Highway to Gandak.