POSTAL SERVICES RESUMED FROM INDIA TO NEPAL

Raxaul: Postal services resumed from India to Nepal through Raxaul, a key trade and entry point on Indo-Nepal border, on Monday after six months.

The service was disrupted following the Madhesi movement started by the United Democrat Madhes Front (UDMF), who enforced a blockade at entry points of southern border of Nepal for fulfilment of its 11-point demands.

Sources said letters, registered and other posts to Nepal from different countries reach Nepal via India since 1937. All postal bags for Nepal are first received at Raxaul post office from where the Nepal postal department collects them.

Raxaul postal inspector Mithlesh Kumar told TOI that 1200 bags meant to be delivered in Nepal were dumped at the Raxaul post office since July last following the blockade at Maitri bridge at Birgunj by Madhes protesters.

"From British time, all mail bags of Nepal go via Raxaul custom entry point as Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is only 100 km away from here," said Kumar.

On Monday, the Nepal postal department collected 77 postal bags from Raxaul post office and the rest are to be transported on day-to- day basis.

After opening of Maitri bridge on February 5, situation fast returned to normal in Nepal and terai areas. Fuel and other essential commodities are also being supplied from India day through Raxaul customs check post.

Meanwhile, UDMF cadres staged a dharna at government transport office at Birgunj and demonstrated on roads to press for their demands. Senior UDMF leader Rajendra Mahato has warned home minister Shakti Basnet to stop the indicting and arresting UDMF cadres in false cases.

He said, "This vindictive attitude of police will spoil the efforts to seek a negotiation," said Mahato.