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Champawat: The situation at the India-Nepal border in Uttarakhand has become tense due to growing unrest and violence in Nepal. Border movement has been strictly stopped at many checkpoints for the past two days. Neither Indian citizens are being allowed to go to Nepal, nor are Nepali citizens being allowed to enter India freely.
At the Banbasa border in Champawat district, not a single Indian has crossed into Nepal in the last 48 hours. Meanwhile, Nepali citizens trying to enter India through the open border at Khatima on Wednesday were turned away by SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) and local police personnel.
Businesses suffer as Nepali customers stay away
Trade and markets in border towns have been hit hard due to the halt in movement. In Khatima, Melaghat market wore a deserted look on Wednesday. According to Anil Kumar, President of Melaghat Vyapar Mandal, most traders shut their shops as Nepali customers, who form the backbone of local business, did not show up.
Similarly, in Banbasa, where almost 80% of business depends on Nepali customers, the effect is severe. Bharat Bhandari, President of the Vyapar Mandal there, said that not a single buyer from Nepal has visited in two days. Former Vyapar Mandal President Sanjay Agarwal feared that if the situation continues, sales during Dussehra and Diwali could take a major hit.
In Tanakpur, shopkeepers are reporting daily losses of Rs 5 to Rs 7 lakh. A grocery trader mentioned that while some customers came on Tuesday, there was no footfall from Nepal on Wednesday. Many Nepali buyers who buy on credit also haven’t shown up, affecting small shopkeepers.
Silence on Pithoragarh border too
Markets in Jhulaghat, on the India-Nepal border in Pithoragarh district, also remained silent. Almost 90% of the business here depends on buyers from Nepal. The international suspension bridge at Dharchula, which connects the two countries, was opened 50 minutes late on Wednesday morning as a safety measure.
Security has been tightened. SSB, police, and customs officials are patrolling along the Kali river. Dog squads have also been deployed. Pithoragarh’s SP Rekha Yadav said that police stations along the border have been directed to remain extra alert.
Security beefed up on borders
In Jhankai area, close to the Nepal border, a PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) platoon has been deployed at three SSB posts. Forest department officials have also been called in to assist with patrolling. SSP Manikant Mishra said that the team has been instructed to stop anyone trying to cross into India illegally.
No illegal entry has been reported
So far, no illegal entry has been reported, but vigilance remains high. The police are following strict guidelines from both state and central governments. Joint combing operations are underway in coordination with SSB forces. Local Intelligence Units (LIUs) have also been put on alert.
Senior officials like IG Kumaon Ridhim Agarwal said that awareness is being spread among the villagers in border areas, and security forces are closely monitoring all movement.
A border known for brotherhood now on high alert
India and Nepal share deep cultural, familial, and economic ties. Uttarakhand alone shares a 250 km long border with Nepal. But the recent violence and lawlessness in Nepal have created fear on both sides of the border.
Authorities are hoping for peace to return soon so that the friendly and open relations between the two countries can resume. Until then, borders remain sealed, businesses remain silent, and vigilance remains high.
