Violence in Nepal has reached near the Indo-Nepal border. Several districts of Uttar Pradesh sharing the border with Nepal are on high alert. Authorities have deployed additional forces in Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Shravasti, Balrampur, and Gorakhpur.
Violence in Nepalgunj, protest near the Bahraich border
On Tuesday (September 9), protests erupted in Nepalgunj city of Banke district, adjacent to Bahraich. Protesters burnt tyres and vandalised the Jamunha checkpost. Some tried to enter Indian territory but were pushed back by the SSB and the police. Strict checking is being conducted at the border. People are being stopped from entering Nepal at the Rupaidih post.
Attack in Dhangadhi, ex-PM’s house burnt
Just one kilometre from India, in Dhangadhi city of Kailali district, violence turned brutal. Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife were attacked by a violent mob. Their house was set on fire. Protesters also torched the residence of Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, the Chief Minister’s office, and several political party offices. The mob stormed the jail and freed prisoners. To control the situation, authorities imposed curfew in Dhangadhi. By night, the Nepal Army started patrolling the streets.
Protests near the Maharajganj border
Maharajganj district also felt the impact as thousands of bikers protested in the Nepalese district across the border and broke barricades. At the same time, a groom named Shahnawaz reached the Sonauli border on his wedding journey from Bhairahawa. SSB stopped him for checking. After showing documents, he was allowed to enter India for his marriage in Nautanwa.
Uttar Pradesh districts on alert
All border districts, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Shravasti, Balrampur, and Gorakhpur, are on alert. The Gauriphanta border in Lakhimpur was sealed. The district magistrate and SP inspected the area. At Rupaidih, around 200 trucks loaded with food grains, petroleum, and daily goods were halted. Only essential fuel trucks are being allowed into Nepal with Army escort.
Transport and flights hit
Violence affected transport services to Nepal. Bus services from Gorakhpur depot to Sonauli fell by almost 50%. International flights were also diverted. Four flights headed to Kathmandu from Delhi, Dubai, and Bangkok landed at Lucknow airport. Another flight from Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu was diverted to Varanasi. It carried 144 passengers.
Tight checking at the border
Security agencies have increased surveillance at Sonouli and Rupaidih posts. Travellers are being asked to show identity documents before crossing. Soldiers of the SSB and police are on alert to prevent any untoward incident.
Authorities believe strict vigilance may continue in Uttar Pradesh’s border districts until the situation in Nepal improves.
