Agitators have vandalized customs offices in Koshi while the customs points connected with India are becoming smooth.
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The customs offices of the Koshi region, which were blocked for about a week due to the Gen-G movement, are gradually returning to normalcy. Like other government offices, customs also became the main 'star' of the agitators.
The protestors not only completely destroyed Mechi and Bhadrapur customs offices of Koshi, they also ransacked the offices and godowns. As the festival approaches, the customs points connected with India are gradually becoming easier.
Daily inspection of cargo trucks and containers has started from Biratnagar Customs, which is the largest in Koshi in terms of import-export trade. The protestors partially damaged Biratnagar Customs. Customs chief Umesh Shrestha said that this customs office, which had been completely closed since August 24 due to the protest, had started its services from last Friday.
"Hundreds of consignments were stopped at the border crossing due to the movement, now they are being released after inspection," said the head of customs, Shrestha, "Now we are gradually returning to the rhythm."
Eastern border checkpoint Mechi customs office has resumed service from Monday. According to Customs Chief Harihar Paudel, there is no place to stay in the office which was completely damaged due to arson and vandalism by the protesters. Work has been started by making the meeting room a working room.
More than 25 computers of the office were robbed. Therefore, Mechinagar Industry and Commerce Association has provided some computers. Other equipment has been purchased by the office itself.
Lok Sabha MP from Darjeeling, India, Raju Bista on Monday said that he is taking initiatives to facilitate Nepal-India international trade from the Panitanki region of India. He said that first import-export and later the movement of common people will be gradually facilitated. He also claimed that the traders in the border areas of India have suffered a loss of around one billion (Bharu) in about a week due to the protests in Nepal and said, 'Now the border will be eased slowly.' Exports are less and imports are more through this channel. Therefore, the inspection of goods imported from India for festival purposes has started. Customs Chief Arjun Prasad Sitaula says, "We are working from a spare room by bringing a laptop from the employee's house." There is not much import-export through these customs. Therefore, the revenue collection is also very low.
