High alert along Indo-Nepal border in Bihar

Patna, Feb 5 (UNI) Bihar government has sounded high alert and issued prohibitory orders along the Indo-Nepal border across Bihar following the ongoing violence and unrest of Madhesisas, Nepali citizens of Indian origin.

Home Commissioner Afzal Amanullah said here today that the situation in the bordering areas was a matter of concern and the district administration had been directed to keep vigil.

Heavy deployment has been made, along the border, and the borders had been sealed in wake of the unrest, he said adding that safety and security of the border areas had been handed over to the SSB which was already manning the security there.

Mr Amanullah said the District Magistrates of the border districts had been asked to take care of safety and security of the Madhesisas fleeing from Nepal to Bihar.

He also appealed the people not to visit Nepal in view of the ongoing violent protests there.

Mr Amanullah said following large scale infiltration of Madhesias and in view of its related fall out, the state government contacted the Centre which was now negotiating with its Nepali counterpart to resolve the crisis.

Meanwhile, reports from the bordering area, including Supaul, Raxaul, Jogbani and others said the traffic was "thin" and all most all business establishments were closed resulting in hike of essential commodities price.

The supporters of Madhesias took out processions at different places in the border areas and condemned attack on the Madhesias fleeing from Nepal.

Meanwhile, a report from Raxaul said that the ongoing unrest in Nepal has badly affected the inflow of tourists as most of them were now opting to return from Raxaul popularly called 'Gateway of Nepal'.

Mr Macmillan, a goldsmith from Italy, said that he had come here to visit Nepal but the officials urged him not to move ahead due to worsening law and order situation there following agitation by the Madhesias in support of their demands.

He said that he would explore the opportunities for expansion of his business in Nepal but the 'unrest' in that country had virtually thrown cold water on his mission.

UNI