Due to this, majority of the cities and marketplaces of the Eastern region have been shut since the last 17 days. Highways, educational institutes, factories and industries have also not come into operation. Various attempts to pacify the banda enforcers have become futile.Nine districts to the east of Arun River have been paralyzed by Limbuwan protests while cadres of the United Madheshi Morcha are still continuing their banda in the remaining parts of the eastern Terai. Failure of the local administration to ensure security to the general public is said to be the reason for the prolonged banda.
Along with Limbuwan and Madheshi Morcha, various ethnic communities like the Muslim Morcha, Tharuhat Struggle Committee, Hindu State Struggle Committee among others have been hitting the streets. Although few shops could be seen operating, their daily transaction is almost nil. Traders, farmers, and students have been hit the hardest.
Police personnel have been escorting vehicles along the highway at night. However, commuters are hesitant to travel even with the security assurance due to the high risks involved.
Sushila Sapkota, chairman of Ilam chapter of FNCCI (Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries) said, "Local administrations are not able to provide security to the general public because they themselves are under threat. If the disputes with the agitating parties are not settled soon, lives in the Eastern region will be very difficult after a week."
Stating that milk factories have stopped purchasing milk from farmers due to the banda, the farmers expressed their displeasure by spilling milk on the streets. They are not able to sell milk and, hence, do not have daily income.
According to the farmers, milk industries in Ilam have stopped purchasing around 40,000 liters of milk from them. As they have invested millions of rupees in animal husbandry by taking loans from banks, farmers fear their investments are going to be fruitless.
"We have assured the locals of security and requested them to reopen their shops and run vehicles," said Chief District Officer (CDO) Bishnu Karki. "However, none of them have mustered enough courage to do so. Protesting groups should not affect the lives of thousands just to press for their demands," he added.
According to CDO Karki, locals are hesitant to open their shops even if there are only 5-7 banda enforcers out on the street. "Entrepreneurs do not want to take risks. Their lack of trust toward the administration has led to this," he said, requesting everyone to start their work and bring normalcy in the district.
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