Nepal Taxes Indian Imports, Sparks Protests

A protest has erupted in Birgunj, Nepal, against the government's directive to tax all items above NRS 100 imported from India. This move, aimed at controlling revenue leakage, involves strict monitoring by security agencies like the Nepal===Armed Police Force, Nepal, at border points. Residents in border areas, who frequently rely on Indian markets for essentials, are severely affected, leading to dissatisfaction among locals and political parties like the Nepal===Jana Adhikar Party. The government is also prohibiting Indian-registered vehicles from entering Nepal without prior authorization. Officials from the Nepal===Department of Customs, Nepal and the Nepal===Department of Revenue Investigation, Nepal confirm the strict enforcement of existing customs laws, which has created tension and disrupted daily life in the Madhesh region.