Local women traders held a demonstration at the Mechi customs checkpoint in Kankarvitta, Jhapa, against the armed police on June 4. The situation at the eastern border grew tense throughout the day as the armed police refused to allow small quantities of goods from India into Nepal without customs clearance.

Women traders from various places such as Kankarvitta, Dhulabari, Charalai, Surunga, and Damak Urlabari are involved in the business of importing household items, groceries, and textiles from water tanks in India to Nepal.

Tensions arose when the armed police prevented them from bringing these items into Nepal without paying customs duty. During the demonstration, clashes and scuffles occurred between the armed police and the businesswomen.

Previously, the traders used to bring goods into Nepal while evading the watchful eyes of the police. Traders explain that due to the high customs valuation, they are forced to pay more customs duties than the actual purchase price, leading them to resort to hiding and evading customs.

The protestors also confiscated two batons from the armed police stationed at the Kankarvitta Border outpost. They attempted to block the movement of the city safari and other individuals as well.

The women traders voiced their protests with slogans such as the withdrawal of armed police from customs, the prosecution of Ram Tamang, a mobile policeman from the armed police who seizes goods even after accepting money, and the demand for food provisions.