Kathmandu, March 19:

Authorities planned today to open Birgunj that has been blocked by protesters for weeks, causing fuel shortages, officials said.

Activists of the Madeshi Janaadhikar Forum have cut off traffic at Birgunj since February 26 by setting up barricades and vandalising any vehicle trying to pass through.

The blockade of Birgunj, the main entry point for oil products and consumer goods from India, has caused serious shortages.

Home Ministry spokesman Baman Prasad Neupane said the government will attempt to open the border point to allow oil tankers to pass through.

Bharat Bahadur Thapa, secretary at the Ministry of Supplies, said security agencies would be involved, but he didn’t elaborate on how the route would be cleared.

The MJF has been organising protests, transport shutdowns and general strikes since January. seeking autonomy and more seats in the legislature.