Nepal unrest hits business in Valmikinagar markets

Valmikinagar: The political upheaval in Nepal has started affecting markets in Valmikinagar, located near the India-Nepal border in West Champaran district. Expressing concern over the slump in trade, electronic shop owner Krishna Kumar said on Wednesday that residents of Nepal’s Terai region, including Triveni, Raninagar, Kudia and Jhulnipur, used to visit the local market to buy daily necessities.“The business here has been badly hit due to the tense situation in Nepal. Shopkeepers are suffering heavy losses, and everyone is anxiously watching developments across the border,” he said.All shopkeepers in Tanki Bazar and Gol Chowk in Valmikinagar are hoping for a quick return to normalcy.Tapeshwar Sambit Raut, commandant of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) 21st Battalion, said security arrangements have been tightened along the border in view of the situation.

“We are closely monitoring developments in Nepal. The border area is currently peaceful, and people from this side are not crossing over into Nepal,” he said.Strict vigil is also being maintained at Bhikhna Thodi, near the India-Nepal border under Narkatiaganj subdivision, by the SSB’s 44th Battalion. SSB Commandant Govind Kumar Thakur said, “The border has not been sealed, but we have advised Indian citizens not to cross into Nepal for the time being. Anyone entering India from Nepal is being thoroughly checked to ensure that no suspicious person takes advantage of the situation.

” (With inputs from Dilip Kumar)