00:03A bag of groceries, utensils or even a dozen bananas can now get you stopped at the Nepal-India border.
00:09Nepal officials and armed police force personnel are checking even small quantities, with announcements
00:14warning that anything above Rs 100 will be taxed without exception.
00:17I'm not sure if I'm going to buy a bar, but I'm not sure if I'm going to buy a
00:23bar.
00:25Nepali residents from Mathesh, who routinely cross the border for cheaper essentials, are
00:29now being stopped and asked to declare what they are bringing back.
00:32For decades, families crossed over for daily supplies, supporting Indian border markets that
00:36depend on these shoppers.
00:37That system is now under pressure, after Nepal's new government under Balendra Shah began strictly
00:42enforcing duty on goods above Rs 100, with rates ranging from 5% to 80%.
00:52The move has reduced footfall at these border markets, hitting Indian traders and making
00:57routine purchases more expensive for Nepali families.
01:00Though the rule existed earlier, strict enforcement began around the Nepali New Year on April 14,
01:04with inspections now leading to seizures of basic items like rice, sugar and cooking oil.
01:09The enforcement has triggered protests and criticism, with many calling the Rs 100 limit impractical
01:14for daily need.
01:15Officials say the aim is to curb revenue loss and informal trade, but admit the immediate
01:20impact is being felt more by ordinary people than large traders.
01:23The situation remains tense as strict checks continue, with uncertainty over how long this
01:28will last.
01:29Lieutenant Johan Hasel
01:30In
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