BIRGUNJ: The sale of vegetables, fruits, meat and fish continue to be suspended in Birgunj on Thursday as well due to the strike called by the Fruit and Vegetable Entrepreneurs and the Meat-Fish Entrepreneurs Association protesting the arbitrary tax collection by the Birgunj Sub-Metropolitan City Office (BSMCO). They have announced continuation of the strike until the Pithiya tax is slashed and the BSMCO shows transparency in the collection and expenditure of business tax.

The locals are compelled to purchase essentials from retail shops as Mina Bazar and Maisthan, the main markets for vegetables, fruits, meat and fish, are empty from Tuesday. The locals are suffering due to high prices and shortage of commodities owing to the closure of the main markets.