Businesses hit in Jaynagar as Nepal unrest halts border movement

Madhubani: Businessmen in Jaynagar, a busy border town, are growing increasingly anxious as Nepal’s deepening political crisis shows no sign of resolution, leaving cross-border trade paralysed and threatening severe economic fallout.

The turmoil in Nepal, which began with youth-led demonstrations against corruption and social media ban on Monday last, has spiralled into widespread unrest. The protests have led to violent clashes with security forces, the torching of govt buildings and the imposition of curfews in major cities.


The Madhubani district administration has placed the border on high alert. Additional security forces have been deployed, barricades erected and movement restricted. These measures have left trucks stranded and disrupted normal cross-border activities.

For Jaynagar, a key trading hub in Madhubani district just kilometres from the Nepali border, the consequences are especially severe. Around 80% of the town’s market depends on customers from across the border, attracted mainly to its renowned sari bazaar and other retail outlets, said Anil Bairoliya, general secretary of Jaynagar Chamber of Commerce. Monthly turnover from Nepali buyers typically ranges between Rs 450-Rs 500 crore, sustaining a vibrant economy that includes textiles, groceries and consumer goods, he added.

Local traders routinely accept Nepali rupees, later exchanging them in Nepali banks for Indian currency. With the borders sealed and Nepal’s political future still uncertain, these exchanges have come to a standstill.

“We have always thrived on our Nepali neighbours. They come for everything from clothing to daily essentials and even medical needs,” said Bimal Maskara, project director of a trust that runs a charitable hospital in Jaynagar. “But now, with no way to cross or exchange money, many businesses could collapse,” he added.

“As Nepal struggles to form a new govt and respond to the demands of its young protesters, Jaynagar’s business community can only wait and hope for an early return to normalcy,” said Shiva Kumar Jha, a retired teacher of D B College, Jaynagar.