The traders were agitated after Tatopani Customs Office raised valuation of goods by 5 percent effective from Thursday. Because of the protest more than 200 containers ferrying goods from China were stranded at the customs point.[break]
Mimasha Adhikari, chief of Tatopani Customs Office, said the traders resumed work unilaterally, issuing a press statement on Monday. “We held different round of talks with the traders to settle the issue. During the talks, we had clearly told them that we won´t withdraw our decision to increase valuation,” said Adhikari. “They had told us that they would return to works on Monday, but they returned to business instead.”
According to Adhikari, traders and the previous chief of customs office had decided to raise customs valuation about a month ago. “I had only implemented the agreement,” he said, adding: “They had requested me to show some flexibility, but I clearly told them that the decision won´t be withdrawn. We may review the decision in 2-3 months after studying the impact.”
In its statement, the agitating traders have asked all traders to return to work saying that they have forged an understanding with customs officials. “The customs has agreed to increase valuation after examining the quality and type of the products,” reads the statement issued by the traders.
Nripdhoj Adhikari, a member of struggle committee of the traders, said customs officials have agreed to review the decision.
However, customs chief Adhikari said no verbal or written agreement has been reached with the traders. According to officials, the customs office lost around Rs 20 million in revenue because of the strike.
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