Traders in Khalanga, the district headquarters of Darchula, have padlocked the crossborder suspension bridge connecting Nepal and India in protest of goods seized by the security personnel. The action came after the police reportedly confiscated merchandise from local shops, accusing the traders of smuggling goods without paying customs duties.

According to Bishan Singh Bohara, acting president of Darchula Chamber of Commerce, the traders closed the only suspension bridge that connects the area to India as a protest against the “undue pressure” from the police.

"The police have been repeatedly harassing business owners, even after they had paid the necessary customs duties, they terrify the traders by raiding shops under false grounds and forcing shop closures," he said.

On Sunday evening, the police seized goods from two shops in the Bangabagad market area, claiming the merchants had bypassed customs. This led to the protest, which has now disrupted movement across the bridge, leaving locals and travellers stranded on both sides of the border.