October 4, 2010

Rampant smuggling of India's chickens alarms Nepal

The illegal import of chickens in Nepal from India has not stopped completely even though the government has banned this, said participants in a programme organised by UNICEF, Bharatpur and Bahu Udesiya Samajik Bikas Sewa Sanstha.

The participants in the programme said that chickens are being imported into the district from various bordering areas by bicycles and jeeps but the authorities concerned are turning a deaf ear to the illegal activities.

Bhushan Ali, district member of the UCPN-Maoist in the programme accused the Nepal Army and Nepal Police of allowing the smugglers to carry out their illegal business.

Lending support to Ali, other participants in the programme accused the officials at the Quarantine Checkpost of the district, of being involved in promoting the illegal import of chickens.

The programme, organised in a bid to inform and foster awareness about birdflu, saw the participation of women volunteers of Ramgarm Municipality, teachers of government schools and representatives of various political parties.

The participants also expressed their deep concern over the inaction by the concerned authorities towards such illegal activities.