LAHAN: Although the government has restricted the import of chicken and poultry products from India, various markets in Siraha district were found selling them openly.

The government has prohibited the import of chicken, eggs and poultry products from India after bird flu cases were confirmed in the southern neighbour.

Chicken and white eggs are being smuggled to different markets including Bhagawanpur, Madar, Bariyarpatti, Thadi, and Jijhaula from Nepal-India check points. The bordering areas have been at high risk of bird flu.

The rate of Indian chicken per kg is cheaper at NRs 100 as compared to Nepali chicken.

Around 10-15 vans of Indian chicken are smuggled to Siraha markets every day via Jhajh border check point, said local Ram Prasad Yadav.

Police on March 1 had arrested smugglers with chicken worth NRs 850,000 from Lagathi Goth check-point.