Indian drivers stage sit-in at Birgunj Consulate

Parsa, October 27

Indian drivers today staged a sit-in at the gate of Indian Consulate in Birgunj demanding the creation of an environment allowing them to return home.

The Indian drivers have been stranded in the Nepali side of the border for more than one-and-a-half months due to the ongoing agitation launched by the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF).

The drivers are protesting by setting up tarpaulin-sheet camps at the front gate of the Indian Consulate. They have said that their repeated demands for allowing them to return to India were not addressed, thereby they had been forced to resort to protest.

The stranded drivers are facing a host of problems, as they have run out of money.

They have appealed to Indian government to help create an environment to allow them to return home, said Jagatar Singh, an Indian vehicle driver. Singh added their families have been forced into privation as their bread winners have continued to remain stranded in Birgunj for a protracted period of time.

Their frustration was further aggravated after the officials of the Indian Consulate did not show up to hold talks with the agitating drivers who have been protesting for the last two days.

Officiating Chief of the Indian Consulate Jasvir Singh said the drivers had not yet submitted a written demand to consulate, adding they would take steps to address their concern once they submit a letter.