Memorandum Submitted Against Government Decision to Close Choti Customs Office in Siraha

Local residents and businesspeople have submitted a memorandum to the District Administration Office opposing the government’s decision to close the Choti Customs Office located in Bariyarpatti, Siraha. On April 7, they protested against the government by blocking the Postal Highway for five hours. The District Administration Office has issued a public notice warning against the use of children for political purposes in protests, threatening strict action for any violations.

The memorandum was submitted citing that the government’s decision to shut down the Choti Customs Office will directly impact cross-border trade, revenue collection, and local economic activities. Local residents and business persons expressed their concerns at the administration office in Siraha.

Following the announcement of the closure, protesters blocked the Postal Highway for five hours on Thursday, demonstrating their opposition to the move. Santosh Mahto, Chairperson of Bariyarpatti Rural Municipality, announced plans for a phased protest starting Friday.

According to Mahto, the planned protests include a road blockade from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on April 8, a rally followed by a corner meeting on April 9, a day-long market shutdown and torchlight procession on April 10, and extensive discussions from April 11 to prepare for an indefinite general strike. On Thursday morning from 8:30 a.m., local residents and businesspeople placed benches in the middle of the Postal Highway at Bariyarpatti Chowk, Ward No. 3, to obstruct traffic.

The blockade disrupted east-west transit along the highway. Meanwhile, the Siraha District Administration Office has issued a public notice urging that children not be used for political demonstrations, strikes, closures, blockades, sit-ins, or processions. Assistant Chief District Officer Chetraj Baral, in the notice, refers to Section 66(2)(6) of the Child Rights Act, 2075 (2018), which prohibits the use of children for political purposes. The administration has warned that any violation involving children in protests will result in strict legal action under existing laws.