Indian blockade against Nepal continues, indicating that a toned-down announcement from New Delhi on ending the same is but a ruse. India has been imposing a blockade, pointing that the new constitution does not incorporate some of the Madheshi agendas. Despite news regarding the easing of blockade, the situation was much the same from Jhapa to Kailali. Nepal, a landlocked country that heavily depends on border trade with India for supplies, is facing severe shortages in essential supplies including petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel, and cooking gas. Border crossings between Nepal and India have essentially been closed due to what the Nepali government is calling a blockade by the Indian government. India, however, denies the blockade and argues that the disruption in border trade is due to “unrest, protests and demonstrations” in Nepal following the promulgation of a new constitution on September 20.
