Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) supporters obstructed Nepalgunj-Rupaidiha border point on Wednesday, which was relaxed for the past one month. Protesters restricted bicycles and motorcycles from the street saying that they bring petrol from Indian bordering towns and sell it at high rates in Nepal. The situation remained tense after protesters stopped locals at the border area and requested them to refuel their motorcycles in Nepalgunj. Hundreds of bicycles, motorcycles, and rickshaws were stranded at Jamunaha after protesters prevented them from going to Rupaidiha in India. Madhu Shahi of Nepalgunj said they are unable to get petroleum products in Nepalgunj. “The ongoing banda and unofficial blockade have affected us,” Shahi said.

However, SLMM protesters allowed vehicles bearing Indian number plates to move in the area. Some SLMM leaders said they were compelled to resume protests at the border point after their demands were not addressed. They obstructed the border point till 2 pm on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, police arrested three Morcha protesters in Biratnagar. Deputy Superintendent Police Pramod Kharel said they held Morang Chairman of Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Raj Kumar Yadav, District Chairman of Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Mohammad Kadir, and another leader Kanhaiya Sah at Mahabir Chowk after they refused to cancel a corner meet set to be held in the area. Following the leaders’ arrest, enraged Morcha supporters torched two motorcycles and pelted stones and bricks at police.

In Rautahat, two people suffered burn injuries when SLMM protesters allegedly set fire to a motorcycle at Jayanagar Chowk in Garuda-13 on Tuesday night. Motorcyclist Ram Prabesh Sah Teli and Suresh Sah of Garuda-2 were injured in the incident. The protesters said the two were returning from Gaur after refueling their motorcycle.

Likewise, some students at Kalaiya in Bara district demonstrated against China saying that the northern neighbor supported the government against Madhes protest.