Indo-Nepal border returns to normal, trade resumes | Lucknow News
Lucknow: The Indo-Nepal border is gradually returning to normalcy following the establishment of an interim government in Nepal. The sealed borders between Uttar Pradesh and Nepal were reopened on Sunday morning, permitting the movement of passengers and cargo trucks after thorough security checks.CCTV surveillance has been intensified, and SSB and police are keeping a strict vigil on both sides. The long queue of trucks at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) has now almost cleared.For the past six days, trade between India and Nepal was completely halted due to unrest in the Himalayan country, resulting in losses estimated at several crores for Indian exporters and over Rs 12 lakh for the Land Port Authority. Relief came as authorities waived detention penalties, charging only the normal Rs 525 fee per truck from Sunday.With the reopening, nearly 10,000 people crossed into India from Nepal, while 5,000 Nepalese citizens travelled back. Local traders in Rupaidha reported brisk sales from Saturday to Sunday, with business worth nearly Rs 50 lakh, largely from Nepali buyers purchasing essential commodities such as sugar, salt, potatoes, medicines, and food grains.Meanwhile, in Nepalgunj (Banke district), customs operations resumed after recent violence disrupted services. A total of 125 trucks carrying petroleum products, food grains, vegetables, and gas were cleared for Nepal. Of these, 38 tankers were stranded earlier due to arson and riots, which also destroyed the old customs office at Jamunaha, along with computers, case files, and hundreds of seized vehicles. The ICP building, however, remained unaffected.Security remains stringent along the border. In Shravasti, SSB personnel utilized drones to surveil border villages and no-man’s-land areas, while PAC personnel were stationed near Ghuddauria. Nepali security forces patrolled sensitive areas. Authorities have confirmed that cross-border movement is permitted only after rigorous identity verification.Land Port manager Sudhir Sharma said the financial setback from the closure cannot be recovered immediately. “Exporters have suffered losses worth crores, and though trade has resumed, it will take time for things to return fully to normal,” he noted.Similar business was seen at other places, including the Sunauli border in Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, and Kheri. In Pilibhit, police and Sashastra Seema Bal teams are conducting intensified patrols in the border areas of Puranpur and Madhotanda. Joint teams are monitoring checkpoints, villages, and interacting with locals to gather intelligence on suspicious activities. With the open border raising concerns over illegal movement and smuggling, agencies remain on high alert. SP Abhishek Yadav assured swift action on any reported threats, while the vigilance has reassured residents of their safety.
