RSP Lawmakers Urge Government to Ease Border Restrictions in Madhesh Province

Kathmandu. Tapeshwor Yadav, Madhesh Province President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and Member of Parliament for Siraha-4, has expressed strong objection to the hardships faced by the public in border areas, including Madhesh Province.

A delegation of lawmakers from Madhesh and Lumbini provinces, led by Yadav, met with Home Minister Sudan Kirati today to draw the government's attention to the policy enforced by the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, which restricts the import of goods worth more than 100 rupees and mandates customs clearance.

During the meeting, MP Yadav demanded that border crossings be eased immediately, keeping in mind the historical 'roti-beti' relationship between Nepal and India and the situation of Nepali workers employed in North Bihar.

He stated that it is wrong to cause suffering to the public by disregarding practical policies and rules that have been in place for nearly 40 years. Arguing that thousands of innocent people should not be penalized for the wrongdoings of a few, he urged the government to establish clear border guidelines similar to those during the tenure of former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane.

MP Yadav emphasized that while strictness is necessary to control drug trafficking and money laundering at the border, authorities should be flexible regarding household and productive goods. He specifically requested that items brought for weddings and feasts be facilitated through ward-level recommendations and that the import of agricultural materials and fertilizers should not be restricted.

Furthermore, he raised the issue that the government should unconditionally drop cases filed against Gen Z youth arrested during protests.

He also drew the Home Minister's attention to the need for granting lawmakers monitoring powers equivalent to those of Chief District Officers and police chiefs to ensure effective oversight of peace, security, and the situation in the districts. In response, Home Minister Kirati assured that the government is positive about resolving issues in border areas and will take necessary steps to ensure practical facilitation.