While the normal fare from Kathmandu to Dang for the whole family amounted to only Rs 1,500, they were compelled to pay Rs 3,600 as there were no bus tickets left. After hours long rough ride, the family had reached Dang on Sunday. It was already dark when they reached their door steps."The bus tickets were surprisingly expensive and we were left with no choice. We had to reach home at any cost. In addition to that, the bus ride was terrifying and the crowd inside the bus was going wild with fear. Every possible space was packed to the brim," said Chaudhary.
However, this is only a half of his harrowing tale. Unlike previous years, he had to change two buses before reaching his village. Thanks to the ongoing Tarai unrest, he and his family had to drop off along the highway and take another local bus instead.
"The demonstrators blocked our way and we had to find other ways to get home. We had to hire an auto and keep on with our journey. The additional cost was another burden for us but we had no choice," said Chaudhary.
Similar was the plight of Rajendra Sharma of Rautahat. He had to do extra traveling and pay more money after protestors refused to let the bus he was traveling on to go ahead.
"Besides going through the straight highway, the bus was diverted to Gaur from the long route of Krishnanagar checkpost. The whole travel cost us extra hours," said Sharma.
"While the protests are still in full swing in the Tarai region, we are now suffering from acute shortage of fuel. In the end, it's locals like us who have to undergo the torture," lamented Sharma.
The ongoing Indian blockade of goods and fuel along with the unabated protests of Madhesi people has largely affected the lives of hundreds of locals. While many have managed to reach their homes during this Dashain festival, many others have been stranded behind.
Related story
Dashain Food Recipes
