Curb cross-border smuggling, says Nepalgunj CCI

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Jan. 3: The Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry has submitted a seven-point memorandum to the Lumbini provincial government, demanding stricter control of smuggling. 

Acting President of the Chamber, Chiranjibi Oli, presented the memorandum to Minister for Internal Affairs and Law of the province Adesh Kumar Agrawal, at a programme held to mark the 58th anniversary of the Chamber's establishment in Nepalgunj on Thursday.

The memorandum includes demands to introduce a system for checking identification documents at the Jamunaha border post, similar to the system implemented by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Rupaidiha border. It also called for the establishment of barriers and temporary police posts at potential smuggling points, and for the prohibition of pedal rickshaws from crossing the border freely.

The Chamber also demanded the reopening of small customs posts that were closed during the armed conflict, including Saigaun, Bhanghotna, Khadaicha, Udhrapur, Bhagwanpur, Narainapur, and Suiyabaghauda. 

Additionally, the memorandum requests the installation of scanner machines at the Jamunaha border for mandatory checks. For the Nepalgunj Customs, suggestions have been made to study why they are unable to meet revenue collection targets and take action against police, administration, and customs staff involved in illegal imports and exports.

Receiving the memorandum, Minister Agrawal assured that if the police and administration failed to control smuggling, they would be held accountable. He said that he had repeatedly talked with high-ranking police and administrative officers about the issue and would give further directives to combat smuggling.

Minister Agrawal also expressed his seriousness about the smuggling and illegal imports happening at the border posts and promised to discuss the matter with the federal government's Ministry of Home Affairs and the IGP (Inspector General of Police).

Lumbini Provincial Assembly member, Mina Kumari Shrestha, along with former presidents of the Chamber, Krishna Prasad Shrestha and Nandalal Vaishya, highlighted that the lack of strictness at the border posts was causing the businesses in Nepalgunj to collapse. They emphasised that controlling smuggling and illegal imports was crucial.

On the same occasion, the Nepalgunj CCI honoured former presidents Kanaiya Lal Tandon, Shatish Chandra Agrawal, Krishna Prasad Shrestha, and Nandalal Vaishya for their contributions to the advancement of the Chamber.