The agents launched the protest after SSB personnel confiscated goods worth Rs 2.75 million belonging to Pashupati Trade Link of Biratnagar on Friday. [break]
The cargo, which contained mobile phones worth Rs 2.5 million and tissue papers worth Rs 250,000, was being ferried into Nepal from India.
SSB has claimed that the cargo was confiscated after the importer failed to show proper documents to transport the goods into Nepal.
“The Karbonn brand mobile phones manufactured by United Telecom Limited and Jaina Group did not have proper customs clearance documents,” an official of the SSB said.
However, the customs agents have said the claim made by the SSB was false and the goods were confiscated to harass the traders.
Pitambar Yadav of Indian Customs Agents Association said the armed border force always creates obstacles in their way.
The protest, which was initially launched on Saturday by Indian customs agents, has now received the backing of Nepali customs agents as well.
“We have agreed to launch the ´pen down´ program for indefinite period beginning Monday,” Pravin Joshi, president of the Customs Agent Association of Biratnagar, said.
Because of the protest, day-to-day works at Biratnagar customs that mobilizes revenue of more than Rs 30 million a day have come to a complete halt. As a result, more than 300 trucks that were ferrying goods to Biratnagar have remained stranded at the border point.
“Goods that were brought to the border point via trains have not been collected because of the ongoing strike,” Joshi said.
Meanwhile, officials of Morang Industries Association reached Jogbani Monday evening to hold talks with the SSB officials and resolve the matter.
Related story
Kakarbhitta customs point sees Rs 16 billion in imports as expo...
-1200x560_20230712163217.jpg)
