SIRAHA: People in areas lying close to the border with India continue to cross the border, in large numbers, towards Indian markets.
Although the main border checkpoint is closed, people are crossing the border via fields and subsidiary roads.
People living in settlements near the Nepal-India border have been going to the Indian markets as there is no market at the local level and goods are relatively cheaper in the Indian market, and as the festivals are drawing closer.
They have been doing so using the way through the fields and streams. Scores of people are crossing the border in this way daily without taking any health safety measures amidst the looming risk of coronavirus infection.
Mayor of Balara Municipality, Abhaya Kumar Singh said the people are crossing the border using the route through fields and river banks as the main transit point is closed. The Indian market is closer and it is convenient for them to go there for shopping for daily essentials and other commodities.
He said the sick people who need to be immediately taken to the health facilities in towns across the border in India are facing inconvenience due to the closure of the main border checkpoint.
People from Godaita, Bishnu, Ramnagar, Kaudena, Malangawa, Bramhapuri, Parsa, Haripurba, the areas in the southern belt of the district, go to the Indian market daily for shopping and medical treatment.
Chief District Officer Surendra Poudel said although people are allowed to cross the border for medical treatment and for essential and emergency works, the main border transit point could not be opened unless the central government decides for the same. According to him, import of various goods and consignments is taking place through the main checkpoint daily.
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