Borders Open: Tension in Kailashahar

The sudden rise of COVID positive cases in Ambassa has prompted the people of Kailashahar to raise voice against the recently restored trans-border trade through Manu land-custom stations. The continuous road blockade called to resist the trade activities had entered its third consecutive day and the protest succeeded to drew support from every section of the society including all the political parties.

Irrespective of political affiliations, all the local leaders demanded to put a stop on the recently reinstated trans-border activities in view of the skyrocketing numbers of COVID cases in the neighboring Bangladesh. Though, the trade bodies had issued several clarifications that claimed all the preemptive measures were being taken care of and there were no reasons to worry about, the locals remained stick on their demand.

Speaking to the media, President of Export-Import Association Kailashahar Gour Chand Saha said, “We have repeatedly pleaded the people to understand that there is nothing to worry about. There is a huge difference between the processes of import-export that is taking place today in comparison to pre-lockdown period”.

He also further said that the attempt had been taken just to ensure the market wheel rolling as no business organization was making profit of the business right now. “The kind of business we are doing right now cannot fetch profit for us. But, it has to be mentioned here that we have to maintain the demand and supply chain of the market otherwise the entire market will face a collapse” Saha told reporters.

However, in the contrary, local MLA Mobossor Ali appealed the government to stop import-export for the time being following the resentment brewing among the locals. “Undoubtedly, the central government has taken the initiative to revitalize the markets and there is nothing wrong in it. But, we need to understand the demand of the situation. As the all the traders waited two prolonged phases of the lockdown to start trans-border transaction, they should at least wait until the third spell ends”, opined Ali.

Unakoti district Congress President Md. Badrujjaman, on the other hand asked the authorities sensitize people as to how they were operating in the borders to wipe out fear from the minds of people. “Before starting full-fledged trade, the authorities should make people aware of the precautions being taken and also to ensure safety of them. I feel, if the authorities approach this particular route, no one will come up with an objection”, the congress leader said.

Meanwhile, the Kailashahar Municipal Council had also made an appeal to the District Magistrate to stop border activities. “We have written to the district magistrate regarding the growing tension and sense of disturbance prevailing in Kailashahar centering the LCS reopening. If it can be suspended for a time being it may resolve the problem” said Nitish Dey Vice Chiarman of Kailshahar Muncipal Council. Some of the local NGOs took the leading front in protesting against the border trade and the situation turned highly volatile since yesterday.