Members of the business fraternity of Panitanki — one of the principal entry points to Nepal — have questioned the alleged inaction of Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista in improving the infrastructure at the border and facilitating the resumption of the movement of people.

Since March last year, passenger movement at the India-Nepal border is suspended owing to the pandemic. From October 30, only people travelling in cars are allowed to cross the borders. They also need to be fully vaccinated or carry a negative RTPCR certificate issued not more than 48 hours prior to their travel.

The suspension of passenger movement has spelt doom for the 1,200–odd traders based in Panitanki as they were entirely dependent on Nepalese customers.

“The Centre has already given permission to open other similar transit routes along the India-Nepal border like Raxaul, Jogbani, Bhairava and Galgalia, but people cannot walk into India through Panitanki. It is disappointing that the MP did not take any initiative to help us,” said Ramkumar Chhetri, an adviser of Panitanki Byabsayee Samiti.

He said most of the people coming from Nepal took three-wheelers such as autos, rickshaws and e-rickshaws to cross the Mechi river bridge and reach Panitanki.

“There is still a restriction on the movement of three-wheelers. Therefore, the majority of common people cannot come here. It is high time that the MP takes up the issue with the authorities as the state government has no role to play here,” said another trader at Panitanki.

They said Bista had turned up at Panitanki on Wednesday. He interacted with the locals and questioned the state’s alleged apathy in developing Panitanki and the adjoining areas of Siliguri sub-division.

This has further angered the traders. They said infrastructure at the border such as the customs and immigration office was inadequate. “This is another area on which the MP should focus and try arranging funds so that a building with appropriate facilities is set up. Now that all those entering India will be screened for Covid, there will be a queue at the border. Such a facility is needed to facilitate smooth movement of people,” a trader said.

After visiting Panitanki, Bista had confirmed that he would take up the issue with the Union external affairs ministry and the home ministry so that local transport (three-wheelers) could start plying across the border.

“Border trade through Panitanki makes a handsome contribution to the state’s exchequer. Yet, the state has not taken any initiative to improve the facilities here and also to help the traders who faced huge losses due to the pandemic. I would see that appropriate initiatives are taken to develop the area as a hub of international trade,” said Bista.