Just when Nepal thought it could move on again the ‘Indian Oil Corporation has said in communications with its Nepalese counterpart (Nepal Oil Corporation) that it has been instructed not to refuel Nepalese tankers. On the diplomatic front, Indian officials have suggested that all border crossings would open if Nepal’s government accommodated the protesters’ demands.’
This was stated in a New York Times article posted on October 15 entitled ‘Snaking Lines Grow as Nepal Confronts Fuel Shortage‘ written by Donatella Lorch.
Visitors to Nepal in the peak tourist season have been confronted with miles of double- and triple-parked cars, buses, trucks and motorcycles along the ancient city’s avenues. The lines snarl through narrow streets and block main intersections on the ring road.
The Indian government has denied any involvement in the ongoing blockade at Nepal’s busiest border point. But recent reports from the Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times and now other world renowned papers seem to be pointing the finger at their involvement, considering many of the Madhesis protesters appear to go home to the Indian side of the border when confronted by Nepalese border control.
Whoever is to blame it is starting to have an affect on supplies coming in and going out of the country. The United Nations in an article in the Kathmandu Post, insists that the country needs to get things moving again so that quake-hit communities get much needed supplies in time for winter.
They say ‘that a backlog of 1,200 MT of shelter and non-food item supplies is awaiting delivery to earthquake-affected population. Eighty per cent of the supplies are warehoused in the districts, but acute shortages in fuel supplies continue to impede planned deliveries to affected villages.‘ Read more…
Despite the hassles, many people are leaving Kathmandu and heading to their village homes, to celebrate the dashain festival. Towards the end of next week many businesses and schools will close for a few days so that the people can be part of the celebrations. Heather & I will be heading to Runchet in Gorkha to be part of the celebrations in one of the local communities that we have been assisting.
Other articles of interest:
- With Fuel Blocked at Border, Nepal Plans Talks with India – New York Times
- People leaving for Dashain increase, despite hassles – The Himalayan Times
- IOC cuts fuel supply again – The Kathmandu Post
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