Protests Resume Over Reopening of Choti Customs Office in Bariyarpatti, Siraha, Blocking Postal Road Again
April 25, Siraha: Locals and traders in Bariyarpatti, Siraha, have resumed protests demanding the reopening of the Choti Customs Office. The Nepalese government had announced the closure of the Bariyarpatti Choti Customs Office through a gazette notification on April 3, 2026 (Baisakh 21, 2083 BS), sparking widespread opposition in the local community. Residents argue that the decision will directly impact cross-border trade, revenue collection, and local economic activities, prompting the renewed agitation.
On Thursday morning, protesters blocked the Postal Road for about five hours before submitting a memorandum to the District Administration Office in Siraha around 2 PM. They subsequently announced plans to continue the movement in phases. According to Vinod Kumar Yadav, Ward Chairperson of Bariyarpatti Gaupalika–3, the protests officially resumed on Friday with a road blockade and market shutdown. The protest schedule includes a roadblock from 7 AM to 11 AM on April 25, a rally and corner meeting on April 26, a full-day market closure with a torch procession on April 27, followed by comprehensive discussions on an indefinite general strike starting April 28.
From Friday morning, demonstrators at Bariyarpatti Chowk in Ward 3 have set up barricades and burned tires, completely blocking the Postal Road. The blockade has disrupted traffic along the East-West Highway, causing difficulties for passengers traveling toward India or within Nepal. Surendra Paudel, Chief District Officer of the Siraha District Administration Office, stated that following the closure of the Choti Customs Office, staff have been immediately deployed from Mador Customs Office to manage customs operations. He added, “Customs management has been arranged under the name of Mador Customs Office.” Paudel further mentioned that the administration is preparing to send correspondence to the Ministry of Finance based on the memorandum received from the protesters and will proceed according to the ministry’s response.