Darjeeling: The Member of Parliament from Darjeeling has extended warm congratulations to Smt. Sushila Karki on assuming charge as the Interim Prime Minister of Nepal. Expressing optimism, the MP wished the people of Nepal peace, stability, and progress under her leadership, while also assuring the continued goodwill and friendship of the people from Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars.
The congratulatory message came during the MP’s visit to the India–Nepal border at Panitanki, situated under Naxalbari block in Darjeeling district, to take stock of the situation on the ground. The MP interacted with the Inspector General (IG) of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), senior Customs officials, and representatives from the local business community, traders, and citizens.
Darjeeling district shares an international border with Nepal, making Panitanki a crucial gateway for cross-border travel and trade. Thousands of people use this border point daily, and it plays a vital role in the movement of essential goods and commodities between India and Nepal, sustaining the economy of both nations, especially the border regions.
In light of recent protests in Nepal, passenger movement at Panitanki and Pashupati Fatak border points had been temporarily slowed, with only limited movement of essentials allowed. This precautionary step was taken to ensure peace and security on both sides but led to economic challenges for traders and daily cross-border travellers.
The MP informed that both border points have now been completely reopened, allowing the full resumption of people’s movement and trade activities. “The reopening of the borders will bring much-needed relief to the people and businesses on both sides who depend on these routes for their livelihood,” the MP said.
Reiterating the historic friendship between the people of Darjeeling and Nepal, the MP added, “We look forward to a future of strengthened ties, mutual growth, and lasting peace under the leadership of Smt. Sushila Karki.”
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