Sit-in continues at Birgunj border

Birgunj, October 8

Birgunj entry point has been halted completely for the past two weeks due to the United Democratic Madhesi Front, which has centred its agitation at the main entry points of the country, of late.

All import and export have been brought to a grinding halt amidst the sit-in of agitating UDMF leaders and cadres at Miteri Bridge on the border that serves as the major entry point of the country. Thousands are participating in the sit-in and everyday more and more people from Bara and Parsa are joining the agitation.

Today, from early morning, agitators took out processions to the sit-in site.

Though the agitation has affected the business sector most, businesspersons and industrialists took out a rally from Adarshanagar and reached the sit-in site to show solidarity with the ongoing agitation.

As the agitation continues, the commoners have viewed this as a ‘do or die’ battle. “Unlike earlier, this agitation is seen as something that will resolve the issue for good,” said local Dharmendra Upadhyaya, adding, “This isn’t a mere agitation, but something related to our self-esteem that will redefine Nepaliness to accommodate everyone living in this country.”

Meanwhile, the protracted general strike on its 55th day has paralysed life here. While educational and financial institutions and marketplaces are shut, vehicular movement has also been halted. Most of the health facilities are on the verge of closure due to the lack of medicine.