The industry operating in Simara under Birgunj-Pathlaiya Industrial Corridor, is facing operational problems after locals physically abused the workers and drivers commuting for work in Simara.

The industrialists are complaining about obstructions made on their daily work, halting work of drivers carrying raw materials and workers in Simara. The problem started when workers in Simara were forced to quarantine over the fear of spreading coronavirus. Even Nepali workers were accused of being Indian nationals and were forced to spend their time in quarantine including some Indian drivers.

The industrialists have accused the local police of inaction even when locals have regularly started abusing drivers of Indian vehicles transporting labours and raw materials. On August 21, locals stopped 5 Indian vehicles transporting raw materials to Hulas Steels Industry for hours on the front gate.

On the night of August 20, locals in Simara quarantined 5 Indian drivers who were bringing raw materials to Jagdamba Steels Industry. Kumudraj Dhakal, administrative manager of Jagdamba Steel, said that 3 drivers were released on Friday afternoon after the industries protested about the locals’ actions towards Indian drivers and forcefully sending them to quarantine just because they were Indians.

Dhakal also added that on August 12,  27 Nepali workers who were transported from the dry port to Jagdamba Steels to unload raw materials were kept under control overnight by the locals accusing them of being Indian workers. Ram Ekwal Mian, who is the elected MP of the region protested the arrest of Madhesi workers falsely accusing them of being Indian Nationals were released only in the morning. Chief District Officer of Bara, Rudra Prashad Pandit said that actions will be taken against locals who obstruct industry work and drivers of Indian vehicles carrying raw materials. Pandit added that a lot of complaints were heard about the ill-treatment of workers and Indian drivers in the region by the locals and the District Office will be looking into these incidents.