Sitamarhi: Movement across the India–Nepal border in Bihar has resumed after weeks of disruption caused by violent protests in Nepal, which left several people dead and caused widespread damage to government property.
The unrest began after the Nepali government imposed a ban on social media, sparking demonstrations in which police stations, checkposts and government offices were set on fire. The situation has since stabilised under the leadership of Nepal’s new prime minister, Sushila Karki, with daily life gradually returning to normal.
At the Sonbarsa border in Sitamarhi, Nepali citizens were seen crossing freely into India, thronging local markets to buy household essentials. “There is no unrest in Nepal anymore. The situation is normal now. Earlier, people were protesting, but now they are busy with their daily work,” said Sushila Devi, a resident from across the border.
Security remains tight on the Nepali side, however, with residents reporting increased scrutiny from border personnel. Indian soldiers stationed at the frontier have not posed obstacles to cross-border trade or shopping, locals said.
Nepali soldiers have been deployed to repair burned checkposts and rebuild damaged infrastructure in an effort to restore order. Despite the turmoil, relations between India and Nepal – shaped by longstanding cultural and familial ties – have remained resilient, with communities on both sides continuing to support each other.
