2015–16 Nepal blockade

Economic and humanitarian crisis in Nepal July 2020 August 2025 thumb|Shortages of bottled gas caused a fuel crisis during the blockade Beginning on 23 September 2015,2015-12-03 Nepal blockade 2015: Things you should know https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-&-current-affairs/story/nepal-blockade-2015-275424-2015-12-03 live https://web.archive.org/web/20230409012341/https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-&-current-affairs/story/nepal-blockade-2015-275424-2015-12-03 2023-04-09 2025-04-05 India Today en segments of Nepal's Madheshi people imposed a blockage on the country's Indian border as a protest against changes to the country's constitution. 2016-02-24 Nepal: Blockade and Fuel Rationing End https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/24/world/asia/nepal-blockade-and-fuel-rationing-end.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240804194932/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/24/world/asia/nepal-blockade-and-fuel-rationing-end.html 2024-08-04 2025-04-05 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331Kumar Sumit 2016-03-08 A Turnaround in India-Nepal Relations https://thediplomat.com/2016/03/a-turnaround-in-india-nepal-relations/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20160309104042/https://thediplomat.com/2016/03/a-turnaround-in-india-nepal-relations/ 2016-03-09 2025-04-05 The Diplomat en-US2015-11-15 Nepal PM Wants India to Lift Undeclared Blockade http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nepal-pm-wants-india-to-lift-undeclared-blockade-1243695 live https://web.archive.org/web/20241102145741/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nepal-pm-wants-india-to-lift-undeclared-blockade-1243695 2024-11-02 2015-04-05 NDTV Many of Nepal's Madheshi people had migrated to the foothills from the Indian plains,Arora Vishal 2015-11-25 R.I.P., India's Influence in Nepal https://thediplomat.com/2015/11/r-i-p-indias-influence-in-nepal/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250322092038/https://thediplomat.com/2015/11/r-i-p-indias-influence-in-nepal/ 2025-03-22 2025-04-05 The Diplomat and the Nepalese government accused India of provoking the blockade, which the Indian government denied. The blockade lasted until February 2016. The blockade, which came just months after the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, severely hampered humanitarian efforts in the earthquake's aftermath, including important food and shelter shipments to people impacted by the earthquake. 2016-02-24 Nepal: Blockade and Fuel Rationing End https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/24/world/asia/nepal-blockade-and-fuel-rationing-end.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240804194932/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/24/world/asia/nepal-blockade-and-fuel-rationing-end.html 2024-08-04 2025-04-05 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 A landlocked country, Nepal had imported "all" of its petroleum supplies via India at the time of the blockade,2015-12-03 Nepal blockade 2015: Things you should know https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-&-current-affairs/story/nepal-blockade-2015-275424-2015-12-03 live https://web.archive.org/web/20230409012341/https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-&-current-affairs/story/nepal-blockade-2015-275424-2015-12-03 2023-04-09 2025-04-05 India Today en meaning the blockade had effectively halted imports of petroleum into the country.2015-11-15 Nepal PM Wants India to Lift Undeclared Blockade http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nepal-pm-wants-india-to-lift-undeclared-blockade-1243695 live https://web.archive.org/web/20241102145741/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nepal-pm-wants-india-to-lift-undeclared-blockade-1243695 2024-11-02 2015-04-05 NDTV This fuel shortage resulted in the shuttering of schools, markets, and public transportation within Nepal. Roughly 300 fuel trucks enter from India on a normal day, but this dwindled to a sporadic passage of 5–10 fuel trucks daily during the crisis, though shipments of perishables like fruits and vegetables had generally been allowed to pass.April 2025 The blockade also had a severe impact on the country's healthcare system, and it was reported that hospitals had run out of medicines and blood bags as a result. UNICEF and Oxfam warned in November 2015 that the blockade risked subjecting Nepal to a major health crisis that could impact millions. The blockade coincided with the beginning of the 2015–2017 Nepal humanitarian crisis. Nepal accused India of imposing an undeclared blockade, which India denied, stating that the blockade was on the Nepalese side of the border, and that some Indian truck drivers were simply concerned about their safety amid protest-related clashes. Nevertheless, some have highlighted concerns by the Indian government over the revisions of Nepal's constitution, and over China's influence in Nepal. The Nepal Oil Corporation also reported that trucks it had sent into India to retrieve fuel had only partially been supplied by Indian counterparts.2015-10-05 IOC refuses to provide fuel despite assurances http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-10-05/ioc-refuses-to-provide-fuel-despite-assurances.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20230518071946/https://kathmandupost.com/miscellaneous/2015/10/05/ioc-refuses-to-provide-fuel-despite-assurances 2023-05-18 2025-04-05 The Kathmandu Post Background thumb|right|280px|Topographic map of Nepal, showing mountain, hill and plains regions thumb|right|280px|Provinces of Nepal as per the 2015 constitution Concerns about Nepal's constitution On 20 September 2015, the long-stalled Constitution of Nepal was passed in Nepal's Constituent Assembly. Two ethnic groups — Madheshi people and Tharu people — had been protesting against the new constitution, alleging that it marginalized them.Unveiling Nepal's constitution amid deadly protests Gyanu Adhikari 20 September 2015 Al Jazeera http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2015/09/unveiling-nepal-constitution-deadly-protests-150920102909569.html Phuyal Hari Nepal's New Constitution: 65 Years in the Making https://thediplomat.com/2015/09/nepals-new-constitution-65-years-in-the-making/ The Diplomat 18 September 2015 66 members of Nepal's 598-strong Constituent Assembly, belonging to these groups, abstained from voting in protest. By 20 September, more than 40 people had been killed in clashes between the protesters and the police.Nepal passes secular constitution amid protests Al Jazeera 20 September 2015 http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/nepal-passes-constitution-protests-150920123704268.html There were also bandhs (strikes) declared in the Terai region, curtailing Terai business but otherwise not affecting the rest of the country.Nepal: Terai Agitation and the Constitution Making Process – Analysis EurAsia Review 12 September 2015 http://www.eurasiareview.com/13092015-nepal-terai-agitation-and-the-constitution-making-process-analysis/ Indian concerns India had expressed concerns over the violent protests, and had asked Nepal to take Madhesi interests into consideration. The Indian prime minister Narendra Modi called Sushil Koirala on 25 August, and later sent S. Jaishankar as his personal envoy to discuss the concerns.Majumder Sanjoy Why India is concerned about Nepal's constitution https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34313280 BBC News 22 September 2015 The government of Nepal and the Nepalese media portrayed Madhesi movements as subversively backed by Indian infiltrators, and as an assault on their sovereignty.Bhushan Bharat http://www.catchnews.com/india-news/india-s-spectacular-policy-failure-in-nepal-1443031577.html India's spectacular policy failure in Nepal Catch News 13 February 2017 On 24 September, the day that the fuel blockade began, Indian Express newspaper reported that India had demanded specific changes to the new Nepali constitution. While the Indian government denied this claim, the Indian Express reporter stood by his or her original report restating, "these amendments/changes were communicated by New Delhi to Kathmandu".https://thediplomat.com/2015/10/nepals-constitution-and-lessons-for-india/ Nepal's Constitution and Lessons for India Mukesh Rawat The Diplomat October 2015Make seven changes to your Constitution: India tells Nepal The Indian Express 24 September 2015 https://indianexpress.com/article/world/neighbours/make-seven-changes-to-your-constitution-address-madhesi-concerns-india-to-nepal/ According to commentator Amitava Mukherjee, personnel from the Indian Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) "confirmed that at least till the third week of September, they had orders from above to intercept fuel shipments to Nepal".Mukherjee Amitava Opinion-Commentary: Nepalese thorn will only get worse for India Business Standard 20 October 2015 IANS https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/nepalese-thorn-will-only-get-worse-for-india-comment-special-to-ians-115102000203_1.htmlJuly 2023 Indian concerns were also exacerbated by the upcoming elections in Bihar and that violence from across the border could spill over to Bihar. There were also speculations that India's Bharatiya Janata Party was using its support to the Madhesi cause to win votes in Bihar.ICG, Nepal's Divisive New Constitution 2016 23 Ties and border Due to an open border between Nepal and India, citizens of both countries can move freely, work, and live across borders without passports. Nepalese citizens moving along the border had long been an issue straining Nepal-India relations. Madheshis share strong socio-cultural ties to the neighbouring Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.http://www.thequint.com/world/2015/09/30/a-nepalese-student-explains-backoffindia A Nepalese Student Explains #BackOffIndia Satish Gurung The Quint 30 September 2015 Landlocked Nepal, due to its Himalayan location and extremely basic and fragile infrastructure depends on India for almost all its import needs. In 1989, India had closed 19 of the 21 border crossings, after a dispute over renegotiation of lapsed trade and transit treaties between the two countries. Nepal's increasing cooperation with China, including its purchase of Chinese weaponry, was seen as a major factor behind this blockade.Nepal's Economy Is Gasping as India, a Huge Neighbor, Squeezes It Hard Barbara Crossette 11 April 1989 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/11/world/nepal-s-economy-is-gasping-as-india-a-huge-neighbor-squeezes-it-hard.html Effects of blockade The blockade had caused the only international airport to deny foreign carriers fuel,http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-30/govt-weighing-options-to-airlift-aviation-fuel.html The Kathmandu Post :: Govt weighing options to airlift aviation fuel The Kathmandu Post contributing to isolating the landlocked nation from the outside world at a time when the country is still reeling from ongoing landslides blocking border trade with China following the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake. Meanwhile, none of the $4 billion of internationally donated quake relief funds to the Nepali government have been dispersed to survivors even after many months, causing anger among Nepalis and international agencies alike.https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/nepal-hasnt-spent-any-of-the-4-billion-in-donations-since-earthquake_55e74a6ee4b0c818f61a486e Nepal Hasn't Spent Any of The $4 Billion in Donations Since Earthquake Omar Havana via Getty Images 3 September 2015 HuffPost The Nepali government decided to stop providing fuel to private automobiles, including public transport and taxis, for a few days at the beginning so as to distribute the fuel to government and prioritized sector use.http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-30/govt-not-to-distribute-fuel-to-pvt-vehicles-from-thursday.html The Kathmandu Post :: Govt not to distribute fuel to pvt vehicles from Thursday The Kathmandu Post As a result, some 2,000 factories were shut down by 1 October.http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-30/2000-factories-remain-shut-due-to-tarai-unrest.html The Kathmandu Post :: 2,000 factories remain shut due to Tarai unrest The Kathmandu Post The Nepal Oil Corporation sued Indian Oil Corporation for not allowing the majority of trucks to enter Nepal.http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/29/asia/nepal-india-fuel-crisis/ Nepal accuses India of 'trade blockade' amid fuel crisis Sugam Pokharel 3 October 2015 CNN News The unofficial "Indian Blockade" forced Nepalese to ride bicycles or resort to carpooling,https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/10/03/world/asia/ap-as-nepal-braving-blockade.html Nepalis Adapt to Fuel Shortage by Carpooling, Riding Bikes 3 October 2015 Associated Press The New York Times and many also turned to electric vehicles, with demand for electric motorcycles and scooters surging in response to the fuel shortage.Electric two-wheelers: In limbo https://theannapurnaexpress.com/news/electric-two-wheelers-in-limbo-47 The Annapurna Express 2018-02-07 The Nepal oil corporation is the only state-owned company that imports and distributes petroleum in Nepal. It does not have enough facilities to store petroleum for even a few weeks use. The fuel shortage caused the public to be angry due to not getting products like petrol, diesel, cooking gas (LPG), kerosene from the state oil corporation, despite standing in line for days. The government of Nepal had imposed a rule to provide fuel to the public as well as private transportation on the basis of odd and even number plate system. Although this system was imposed, the taxi drivers and private vehicle owners faced huge problems, as they had to wait their vehicles in line for two-three days or more, but still often did not get their required fuel. A black market arose, with individuals bringing fuel from the border points with India and selling it in Kathmandu and other places for threefold prices. For instance, before the Madhesi blockade, a price of a liter of petrol in Kathmandu was 104 rupees, whereas after the blockade, the public was forced to buy petrol from the black marketeers paying 300 to 450 rupees for a liter.http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-12-11/black-marketeers-filling-fuel-demand-in-valley.html Black marketeers filling fuel demand in Valley The Kathmandu Post The government of Nepal failed to ease this fuel crisis and could not bring petroleum from China on time, although it signed an agreement to buy one third of Nepal's petroleum requirement from their northern neighbor.http://www.erewise.com/current-affairs/nepal-inks-fuel-agreement-with-china-to-ease-fuel-crisis_art5631e8de9cbe2.html Nepal inks fuel agreement with China to ease fuel crisis Erewise 2015-12-11 This agreement was seen as a cornerstone for Nepal to end the full dependency on only one country for petroleum imports.http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/nepal-signs-agreement/2224308.html Nepal signs agreement with China to ease fuel crisis Channel NewsAsia 5 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151205183342/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/nepal-signs-agreement/2224308.html dead The common Nepalese were hopeful to get fuel from the northern neighbor. The other Nepal-China border point, Tatopani in Sindhupalchowk district, was not functional after the Nepal earthquake 2015 because of serious damages and obstructions.http://www.gulf-times.com/nepal/250/details/460162/china-to-provide-nepal-oil-to-ease-crisis China to provide Nepal oil to ease crisis Gulf Times 24 October 2015 China had also donated 1.3 million liters of petrol to Nepal after the fuel crisis through the Kerung border point.http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/fuel-strapped-nepal-sends-team-to-china-to-ease-supply-1236633 Fuel-strapped Nepal Sends Team to China to Ease Supply NDTV.com The Nepali government spoke of airlifting fuel and essential supplies when the talk with the Indian side was not fruitful.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Nepal-govt-mulls-airlifting-fuel-to-ease-crisis/articleshow/49274742.cms Nepal govt mulls airlifting fuel to ease crisis – Times of India The Times of India India repeatedly stated the issue lay with the Madheshi people, claiming they were the ones blocking the border points and disrupting supplies. The Indian trucks could not go to Nepal because of the insecurity as the Terai part of Nepal was facing strikes from the period before the Nepal's new constitution was declared. Some reports also came in Nepali media that the Madheshi protesters were sitting on Indian land and throwing stones at Nepal.January 2018 The government of Nepal was also unable to convey the true message to the International communities about the problem in Nepal at a time when some Nepali scholars were asking the government to Internationalize the issue, as India had moved back from the Nepal India friendship treaty and violated the various International trade, transit and commerce laws.January 2018 While in Kathmandu, the government had asked for International help to solve the fuel crisis, which was hitting daily Nepalese life very hard.http://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/govt-calls-for-help-to-ease-fuel-crisis/ Govt calls for help to ease fuel crisis – The Himalayan Times The Himalayan Times 27 October 2015 Nepal government started selling firewood in Kathmandu because there were acute shortage of cooking gas (liquified petroleum gas), causing households to resort to buying electrical induction cookers.June 2021 As Nepal faced big energy problems and power cuts, using induction cookers would not be a permanent alternative to cooking gas. The Government of India denied imposing a blockade, stating that the truck drivers coming from India were not entering Nepal due to safety concerns resulting from the violent protests. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that the border obstructions were a result of "unrest, protests, and demonstrations on the Nepalese side, by sections of their population." The Government of Nepal contested India's claim, stating that there were no major security concerns that would prevent the trucks from entering Nepal. Nepal's spokesperson Laxmi Prasad Dhakal argued that the Madheshi protests had been happening since past few months, and Indian trucks had been entering Nepal until 23 September without any problems. On 1 October, Indian minister Sushma Swaraj officially denied Nepal's accusations. India's spokesperson Vikas Swarup pointed out that India had sent 4,310 trucks to the border, where they had been stranded. He argued that from there onwards, it was Nepal's responsibility to ensure that the trucks entered Nepal safely.http://www.telegraphindia.com/1151002/jsp/nation/story_45751.jsp https://web.archive.org/web/20151005233654/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1151002/jsp/nation/story_45751.jsp dead 5 October 2015 Sushma denies Nepal blockade 1 October 2015 The Telegraph On the other hand, it is reported that the vehicles weren't allowed to enter Nepal by the Indian side thus resulting in long queues of Nepalese trucks stranded for days Inside the Indian border. The Indian Oil Corporation reportedly refused to fill the Nepalese trucks following instructions from higher authorities. On 6 October, the Madheshi-centric Nepal Sadbhawana Party criticized the Nepali media reports blaming the blockade on India. Its President Rajendra Mahato stated that the blockade had been done by the Madheshi people and that India had nothing to do with it.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Wrong-to-blame-India-for-blockade-on-the-border-NPS/articleshow/49237792.cms Wrong to blame India for blockade on the border: NPS 6 October 2015 The Times of India The Indians alleged that the Maoists, who dominate the Nepali politics, were promoting a false propaganda against India.http://www.merinews.com/article/nepal-burning---the-real-problem-at-hand/15910183.shtml Nepal burning – The real problem at hand MERI News 9 October 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151009015239/http://www.merinews.com/article/nepal-burning---the-real-problem-at-hand/15910183.shtml dead An editorial in the Nepali Times has claimed the Indian blockade is no longer about the Madhes and the constitution, but rather that India also seems to be opposed to KP Oli replacing Sushil Koirala as prime minister, and has a whole host of demands on security and other issues that we haven't even heard about.http://nepalitimes.com/article/editorial/editorial-proxy-war-blockade-is-not-about-the-constitution-anymore, Nepali Times The Indian blockade is no longer about the Madhes and the constitution 9 October 2015 25em #B0C4DE right left There is no gas, no vegetable supplies, no fuel for vehicles, no fuel for airlines, and life is about frozen. We don't want this type of friendship. (In reference to 1950 Indo-Nepal friendship treaty) —Khadga Prasad Oli UML Chair & Prime minister-designate of NepalAFP Nepali leader says India 'breaking international law' Bangkok Post https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/713212/nepali-leader-says-india-breaking-international-law Nepal has lobbied the United Nations on the obstruction.http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/nepal-turns-to-united-nations-over-obstruction-of-trade-point-with-india/ Nepal turns to UN over 'obstruction' of trade point with India 3 October 2015 The Indian Express On 28 October, the Nepal Oil Corporation and PetroChina signed an agreement to import fuel from China,http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/AC/China-deal-ends-an-Indian-monopoly-in-Nepal China deal ends an Indian monopoly in Nepal Sharma Kiran 31 October 2015 Nikkei Asian Review dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151101213047/http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/AC/China-deal-ends-an-Indian-monopoly-in-Nepal 1 November 2015 the first fuel agreement ever between the two nations.https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/china-will-support-nepal-fuel-deal-270397-2015-10-29 China says will support Nepal 'sovereignty' after landmark fuel deal Krishnan Ananth 29 October 2015 India Today China also pledged to donate 1300000 litres on of fuel to Nepal. Nepal is planning to import a third of its fuel from China.https://www.wsj.com/articles/nepal-signs-fuel-deal-with-china-amid-supply-disruptions-1446116320 Nepal Signs Fuel Deal With China Amid Supply Disruptions Mandhana Niharika 29 October 2015 The Wall Street Journal Cascading shortages Nearly all sectors of the economy have taken a severe hit, from tourism to transport to domestic factories to agriculture. The once vigorous construction industry had already come to a standstill before the blockade due to quake fears, new enforcement of building code, and monsoon issues, most reconstruction work has been put off until after the monsoon. Tourism, a mainstay of hard currency, already saw 40% cancellation post-quake,http://skift.com/2015/10/17/unrest-challenges-nepals-post-earthquake-tourism-recovery/ Unrest Challenges Nepal's Post-Earthquake Tourism Recovery Skift 17 October 2015 5 November 2015 18 October 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151018135811/http://skift.com/2015/10/17/unrest-challenges-nepals-post-earthquake-tourism-recovery/ dead since then new advisories from Germany to US have been issued due to Madhesi related issues.,http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-11-01/come-back-tourists.html The Kathmandu Post :: Come back, tourists many restaurants remain closed in tourist zones and transport remains at best a hack. Basic goods, mostly imported from India, remain in short supply. Some 14 Nepali pharmaceutical factories remain shut, causing widespread shortages in medicine, including for infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis that do not respect borders, some 90 percent of raw and packaging materials usually enter from Birgunj customs point (India).http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-10-08/dearth-of-medicine-hits-health-services.html The Kathmandu Post Dearth of medicine hits health services People have resorted to illegal imports of medicines from India, putting patients at risk. The most acute shortages of medicines in Kathmandu are for Intensive Care Unit such as high blood pressure, diabetes, anesthesia, injectable antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen.http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-10-28/dearth-of-essential-drugs-hits-sarlahi.html The Kathmandu Post Dearth of essential drugs hits Sarlahi http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-10-11/inhuman-blockade.html The Kathmandu Post Inhuman blockade In more remote areas zero supplies of medicines have come within 2 months, resulting in complete lack of medicineshttp://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4317901&Itemid=1 Prensa Latina News Agency – Medicine Shortage Increases in Nepal by South Blockade plenglish.com including vaccineshttp://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-11-01/shortage-of-drugs-hits-patients-in-several-districts.html The Kathmandu Post Shortage of drugs hits patients in several districts and Oxygen.http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/11/india-blockade-snuffs-nepal-medical-lifeline-151121094929955.html India's 'blockade' snuffs out Nepal's medical lifeline Khalid Saif 21 November 2015 Al Jazeera Rice paddy production was already forecast to shrink by 18-20 percent due to several factors. The poor South Asian monsoon and chemical fertilizer shortage, improper seeds from post-quake international donations not suited to climate account for some 10% of the expected crop (half of the crop failure), however due to the fuel crisis the figure is expected to worsen sharply as machinery and fertilizer are affected,http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-11-03/paddy-output-to-fall-sharply-may-hurt-econ-farm-income.html The Kathmandu Post Paddy output to fall sharply; may hurt econ, farm income manpower is limited due to mass overseas migration of young males,https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/nepal-once-known-for-farming-now-exports-people-migrants-earn-big-but-face-risks/2014/03/23/5858ca52-8441-11e3-bbe5-6a2a3141e3a9_story.html Nepal, once known for farming, now exports people; migrants earn big but face risks Anup Kaphle 24 March 2014 The Washington Post disproportionately leaving elderly and children behind to tend to farms. To provide heat, people have been increasing turning to electric heaters, causing increasing burden on electricity transmission and supply, with some 530 transformers having already exploded as of December.http://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/neas-530-transformers-explode/ NEA's 530 transformers explode The Himalayan Times 28 December 2015 Humanitarian crisis Nepal humanitarian crisis (2015–2017) 25em #D994DE right More than 3 million children under the age of 5 in Nepal are at risk of death or disease during the harsh winter months due to a severe shortage of fuel, food, medicines and vaccines. —UNICEF media press release, 30 November 2015http://www.unicef.org/media/media_86394.html Nepal: Serious shortage of essential supplies threatens millions of children this winter – UNICEF 30 November 2015 UNICEF 22 January 2016 20 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160120192701/http://www.unicef.org/media/media_86394.html dead https://www.reuters.com/video/2015/12/01/unicef-3-million-nepali-children-at-risk?videoId=366517037 UNICEF: 3 million Nepali children at risk 1 December 2015 Reuters As issue of post-quake vulnerability became lost in the increasingly vocal information war between Kathmandu and New Delhi,June 2026 a major humanitarian crisis has erupted at a time when international agencies are stretched very thin due to El Nino related agricultural disasters as well as exploding conflict in Syria, Yemen, and their spawned refugee crises. UNICEF has followed with a warning echoing US embassy statements about the looming humanitarian disaster, citing 3 million children at risk of disease and death in Nepal alone.http://www.oneindia.com/international/unicef-warns-over-new-humanitarian-crisis-in-nepal-1922265.html UNICEF warns over new humanitarian crisis in Nepal oneindia.com 8 November 2015 On a separate note, while governments focus on immediate needs and politics, misanthropes take advantage of the situation, in particular human trafficking; some 400 girls who have entered India from Nepal have gone missing.http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-01-01/over-400-girls-missing-in-india.html The Kathmandu Post Over 400 girls missing in India Overseas protests against blockade thumb|Protest in the United States against the blockade Nepalese residing in the UK demonstrated against the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 10 Downing Street, London during his visit on 12 November 2015. The demonstrators included ex-military families (the so-called "Gurkha Regiment" and "non-Gurkhas"), Sikh extremists and various other individuals dissatisfied with the Indian Prime Minister. Some reports claimed that as soon as Modi arrived back in Delhi, he ordered an assessment of the power that the Nepali people have in Great Britain and other places overseashttp://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/nepalese-protesters-in-london-pmo-seeks-report/ PMO asks High Commission for report on Nepalese protesters in London Roy Shubhajit The Indian Express On 17 November, the "Non-Resident Nepali Association USA" protested against what they refer to as the Indian Government's so-called "economic blockade of Nepal" in front of United Nations Headquarters in New York.http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-11-18/memorandum-submitted-to-un-against-indias-blockade.html Memorandum submitted to UN against India's blockade The Kathmandu Post Also on 30 November in the United States, another branch of the same "non-resident Nepali" group protested in front of India's embassy in Washington, D.C.. Police action against the protesters On 2 November 2015, Nepal Police moved in to clear out the protesters in Birgunj.https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/nepal-police-clear-protesters-from-main-border-point/2015/11/01/ec1ac112-8117-11e5-8bd2-680fff868306_story.html Police in south Nepal fire at protesters; Indian man killed Gurubacharya Binaj 2 November 2015 The Washington Post June 2021 medicmedic Despite police actions, the protesters managed to return and continue the blockade. Protesters attacked a Nepalese police station with petrol bombs and stones. In retaliation, the police opened fire, killing one person, Ashish Kumar Ram, who was later identified as an Indian citizen, which raised concerns over involvement of Indians in the Madhesh protests.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcKy2Fatk1g Indian man killed by police during violent clash in Birgunj,Nepal (Live Video) 3 November 2015 YouTube Six Nepalese police officers were injured in the attack and more than 25 protesters and civilians were injured. Since then, a curfew has been imposed in Birgunj. On 21 November, Nepalese police clashed with protesters led by Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) in the district of Saptari who were blocking vehicles from entering Nepal.http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-11-23/at-least-3-killed-in-saptari.html At least 3 killed in Saptari Khadga Jitendra 23 November 2015 The Kathmandu Post Around 5,000 protesters were involved. Nepalese police shot and killed three protesters at Bhardaha, Rupani and Rajbiraj. Another protester was killed on 22 November in Rajbiraj. Afterwards, a curfew was imposed on all three towns. To complicate matters, Tharuhat protestors of Tharu descent, also Madhesis, have clashed with the Madhesi parties seeking their own separate state different from Madhesi parties in the Western Terai zone.http://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/tharuhat-intact-far-west-cadres-clash/ Tharuhat, intact far-west cadres clash – The Himalayan Times The Himalayan Times 18 August 2015 Separately, Federal Limbuwan State Council (FLSC), representing different ethnic groups (Mongoloids) than the Madhesis (Indo-Aryans), represents the most ancient of the indigenous groups of Nepal, who have historically had a large degree of autonomy in the Far East Terai. FLSC have been striking and enforcing vehicular bans on a separate region of the Terai for the entire time the Madhesis have been active doing the same; their demands overlap Madhesh demands and territories of states, both demands cannot be reconciled geographically. Madhesi parties have refrained from direct confrontation with FLSC. FLSC and the Mongoloid voice of the nation been almost completely ignored by all Western and Indian media; they don't have the backing of India nor Kathmandu.http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-01-24/limbuwan-committee-enforces-vehicular-strike.html The Kathmandu Post Limbuwan committee enforces vehicular strike 24 January 2016 http://www.nepalnews.com/mobile/view_article.php?id=2090 Nepalnews.com – News from Nepal as it happens http://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/limbuwan-withdraws-general-strike-in-east/ Limbuwan withdraws general strike in east – The Himalayan Times The Himalayan Times 24 September 2015 Nevertheless, India perceives FLSC as a pro-Nepal force. FLSC has also accused Kathmandu of use of excessive brutal police forces just as the Madhesi parties have. KP Oli, Nepal's PM, issued a statement from Itahari (where FLSC is most active) in December 2015, "The government will not spare those who take the law in their hands ... and air secessionist views,http://www.onlinecanadanepal.com/2015/12/those-airing-secessionist-remarks-wont.html Those airing secessionist remarks won't be spared, says PM KP Sharma Oli (Watch Full Video) Online Canada Nepal a veiled threat to FLSC actions. Indian border police action On 25 November, Indian Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) border police shot four Madhesi Nepali youths at the border.https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/4-nepalis-injured-by-ssb-shot-bullets-in-sunsari/ 4 Nepalis hit by bullets as Indian SSB opens fire in Sunsari village near border 25 November 2015 The Himalayan Times According to Nepali officials, the youths were trying to bring food and fertilizer into Nepal, and the shooting took place at Bhantabari, Sunsari District on the Nepalese side of the border. The SSB denied this, stating that the shooting took place in the Indian territory facing Nepal's Haripur village. The SSB also claimed that the people shot at were smuggling prohibited materials, and attacked its personnel when stopped.http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/three-smugglers-three-ssb-personnel-injured-in-border-clash-115112501088_1.html Three smugglers, three SSB personnel injured in border clash 25 November 2015 Business Standard Nepalese government quickly responded with 1 million rupees in compensation to 4 victims' families dispensed within 2 days.http://myrepublica.com/feature-article/story/31753/govt-releases-rs-1-m-to-kin-of-each-tarai-protest-dead.html My Republica Govt releases Rs 1 m to kin of each Tarai protest dead Attacks on Nepali media In spite of an apparent agreement hashed out between India and Nepal, Madhesis stated their demands were still not met.http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/nepals-steps-to-resolve-madhesi-crisis-indias-positive-response-helps/ Nepal's steps to resolve Madhesi crisis: India's 'positive' response helps 22 December 2015 The Indian Express Madhesi protesters have stepped up attacks against Nepali media outlets, with a Kathmandu Post media van torched on 28 December.http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-12-28/kantipur-van-torched.html The Kathmandu Post Kantipur van torched India has also been stepping up its control of information in late December, with Sashastra Seema Bal wanting to install radio stations along the border.http://www.deccanherald.com/content/519436/ssb-wants-radio-towers-along.html SSB wants radio towers along India-Nepal border Deccan Herald 25 December 2015 Resolution 25em #B0C4DE right left We failed to create pressure on the government by blocking border points, we only caused suffering to ordinary people. —Rajendra Mahato, senior leader of Unified Madhesi Fronthttp://www.nepalitimes.com/blogs/thebrief/2016/02/04/front-regrets-failed-blockade/ Front regrets failed blockade 4 February 2016 Nepali Times India and Nepal seemed to have worked out their differences with passage of a constitutional amendment by Nepal,https://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/nepal-madhesi-community-rejects-constitutional-amendment-as-incomplete/ Nepal: Madhesi community rejects constitutional amendment as 'incomplete' 24 January 2016 The Indian Express but Madhesi leaders remained defiant, along with other movements of separatists/autonomists. Nevertheless, Madhesis were the only movement with state support from India, but prominent Madhesi leader, Mahato, has backed down 2016 February 4 yes. On 29 March 2016, panic buying caused by worries about another fuel blockade hit Kathmandu, where long lines of motorists formed. The prime minister had just returned from a visit to China with a number of agreements signed that will reduce long term dependence on India. Nepal Oil Corporation reported normal fuel shipments but, even one and a half months after the embargo was lifted, domestic diesel and cooking gas deliveries have not returned to normal.http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-03-29/embargo-fears-set-off-gasoline-panic-buying.html Embargo fears set off gasoline panic buying The Kathmandu Post Nepalese opinions 25em #D0F0F0 right left India officially may not call it a blockade. But it smells like a blockade, it feels like a blockade and sounds like a blockade. —Kanak Mani Dixit, Nepalese journalist and political analyst The Nepal government has accused India of unofficially backing this protest by slowing or stopping traffic from crossing the border into Nepal completely.Nepal blockade: Doctors warn of medicine crisis https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34861073 BBC News 18 November 2015 However, India has maintained that Nepal's failure to draft an inclusive Constitution is responsible for the unrest. It has also been pointed out by India that the "blockade" is taking place on Nepal's side of the border, where protestors have attacked Indian drivers who were trying to transport food and facilitate trade between the two neighbors. On 23 September 2015 demonstrators in Kathmandu shouted anti-India slogans to protest the fuel shortage.Nepal Rations Fuel as Political Crisis With India Worsens https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/29/world/asia/nepal-rations-fuel-as-political-crisis-with-india-worsens.html The New York Times 28 September 2015 Nepal Cable Television Association blocked 42 Indian channels in protest against unofficial blockade into the country.Nepal blocks Indian TV channels over 'blockade' https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34387990 BBC News 29 September 2015 Nepalese political analyst Amit Dhakal stated, "Even a child can make out that it is a deliberate blockade." Kishor Bikram Malla, a student leader of the CPN (UML) party opined, "The new generation of Nepalese can go without fuel for months but we are not ready to bend before India." Similarly, Nepalese political analyst Kanak Mani Dixit contended that Prime Minister of India authorized S. Jaishankar on his conduct towards Nepal: By all accounts, Jaishankar was uncouth, brash and imperial in his behaviour towards Nepal's politicians. It left no doubt in anybody's mind that the orders had come from the Prime Minister to act tough. Otherwise, Jaishankar is too sophisticated to resort to such things.https://www.telegraphindia.com/7-days/39-i-will-never-forgive-what-india-has-done-to-me-39/cid/1313727 I will never forgive what India has done to me The Telegraph Kolkota CPN (UML) has however denied any statement by the then PM KP Sharma Oli against India.https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nepal-pm-kp-sharma-olis-party-trashes-reports-of-his-anti-india-remarks-1415802 Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli's Party Trashes Reports Of His Anti-India Remarks NDTV.com #BackOffIndia hashBackOffIndia thumb|right|Protest against blockade in Nepal, Protest against Indian maps showing Kalapani territory #BackoffIndia is a Twitter hashtag and social media campaign against alleged "intervention" by India in Nepal's internal affairs, accusing it of having caused the blockade.Nepal constitution: Mind your own business, media tell India https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-34333265 BBC NewsOutrage over India's 'intervention' in Nepal's affairs; #BackOffIndia trends on social media http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-outrage-over-india-s-intervention-in-nepal-s-affairs-backoffindia-trends-on-social-media-2127688 dna webdesk Daily News And Analysis 22 September 2015 The blockade was caused by Madhesi protestors in Nepal who were dissatisfied with the newly adopted Constitution of Nepal.SAHR, Nepal Blockade 2016 pp. 26–27: "Finally, on September 23, 2015 the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) decided to block all the major highways and customs points bordering India, thus effectively blocking all movement of goods and services to Nepal. Since India was the conduit for Nepal's third-country trade, that too was affected." However, the government of India and ruling party at that time held multiple meetings with Madhesi leaders and provoked them to cause blocking. India too participated passively with events like refusing to accept new constitution, orders were sent to border authorities at Indian side to not let any movements of goods across the border.Rajeev Ranjan Chaturvedy David M. Malone A Yam between Two Boulders: Nepal's Foreign Policy Caught between India and China Sebastian von Einsiedel David M. Malone Suman Pradhan Nepal in Transition: From People's War to Fragile Peace https://books.google.com/books?id=HyZ03y3S6eEC&pg=PA287 2012 Cambridge University Press 978-1-107-00567-9 287 The hashtag was used by Nepalese around the world to accuse India of interfering in the country's internal matters.Parashar Utpal BackOffIndia! Nepal protesters slam 'interference' over statute Hindustan Times 23 September 2015 http://www.hindustantimes.com/world/backoffindia-nepal-protesters-slam-interference-over-statute/story-hIFyfqraPRRq3KYnGkkJLP.html During September–December 2015, more than 6,750 tweets have been created in Twitter with this hashtag.#BackOffIndia https://twitter.com/hashtag/backoffindia Twitter live https://web.archive.org/web/20150925112951/https://twitter.com/hashtag/backoffindia 2015-09-25 12 December 2015 When news of the blockage of shipments reached the government, Kathmandu sent additional armed-police forces to the border. Many leaders of various parties claimed India had infiltrated the Madhesh with Indian protesters, and Madheshi leaders refuted the infiltration allegations, stating that the Madheshis should not be mistaken for Biharis or other Indians.http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2015-09-24/dont-mistake-madhesi-people-for-bihari-or-indian-says-mahanta-thakur.html Don't mistake Madhesi people for Bihari or Indian, says Mahanta Thakur The Kathmandu Post The hashtag was used again in 2019 when the Nepalese Government claimed the 35 km2 Kalapani territory at the northwest frontier of Nepal within India's territory. The Kalapani dispute was first raised in 1996 but it became an important issue in 2019. Once again, conspiracy theories give rise to disaffection.Sam Cowan, The Indian checkposts, Lipu Lekh, and Kalapani https://web.archive.org/web/20201203102353/https://digital.soas.ac.uk/SWAY000513/00001 3 December 2020 , School of Oriental and African Studies, 14 December 2015. "Received wisdom on the start of Indian occupation stems from the views of Bhuddi Narayan Shrestha, which have been endlessly repeated in just about every article written on the subject." International reactions 2015–2016 Nepal humanitarian crisis#International reactions Bangladesh – On 18 October, Tofail Ahmed, Minister of Commerce, Bangladesh, urged an end to the blockade and commented that such blockades hit at agreements like the BBIN.https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/Bangladesh-Minister-pitches-for-end-to-Nepal-blockade/article60271477.ece Bangladesh Minister pitches for end to Nepal blockade Kallol Bhattacherjee The Hindu 19 October 2015 European Union – On 24 October, Jean Lambert, MEP and Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to South Asia,http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/4531/JEAN_LAMBERT_home.html Jean Lambert European Parliament 3 November 2015 29 October 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151029064432/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/4531/JEAN_LAMBERT_home.html dead stated the unofficial 'blockade' at the Nepalese border only serves to hurt the Nepalese people who are still recovering from the devastating earthquakes earlier this year.http://reviewnepal.com/national/european-union-calls-on-india-to-ensure-essential-supplies-to-nepal.html European Union calls on India to ensure essential supplies to Nepal Review Nepal Review Nepal News 27 October 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151027225402/http://reviewnepal.com/national/european-union-calls-on-india-to-ensure-essential-supplies-to-nepal.html dead United States – On 5 November, the US expressed deep concern over the critical shortages of essential supplies in Nepal resulting from a volatile situation along the Nepal-India border.USEmbassyNepal U.S. Embassy Nepal 662150580937199616 5 November 2015 Statement from the U.S. Embassy 5 November 2015 United Nations – On 11 November, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated his "concern over the obstruction of essential supplies on the Nepal-India border. Acute shortages in fuel supplies continue to impede planned deliveries to earthquake-affected villages in Nepal," said spokesman Stephane Dujarric. "The Secretary-General underlines Nepal's right of free transit, as a landlocked nation as well as for humanitarian reasons, and calls on all sides to lift the obstructions without further delay."http://www.namnewsnetwork.org/v3/read.php?id=MzI2OTgy NAM NEWS NETWORK namnewsnetwork.org dead https://web.archive.org/web/20180618081343/http://www.namnewsnetwork.org/v3/read.php?id=MzI2OTgy 18 June 2018 11 November 2015https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y6ETASWOu4 Indian government block border between Nepal and India 11 November 2015 YouTubehttps://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/un-chief-calls-for-lifting-of-blockade-on-indo-nepal-border/ar-CCeXfV UN chief calls for lifting of blockade on Indo-Nepal border MSN News dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151117034232/http://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/un-chief-calls-for-lifting-of-blockade-on-indo-nepal-border/ar-CCeXfV 17 November 2015 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/UN-chief-calls-for-lifting-of-blockade-on-Indo-Nepal-border/articleshow/49747847.cms UN chief calls for lifting of blockade on Indo-Nepal border The Times of India Aftermath China–Nepal railway In 2016, during Oli's visit to China, the two countries signed a treaty on trade and transit, including a plan to build a high speed railway from Kathmandu to the Chinese border.Adhikari Deepak 19 September 2018 Nepal gets access to China ports, analysts say it's a 'huge deal' Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/nepal-access-china-ports-analysts-huge-deal-180917163226224.html In June 2018, Nepal and China agreed on construction of the railway as a component of a series of cooperation projects approved by the two sides.Hu Yongqi 22 June 2018 Railway project to link Tibet, Nepal China Daily http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201806/22/WS5b2c3553a3103349141dda6f.html Pandey Lekhanath 8 July 2018 How a China-Nepal railway could fast-track change in the Himalayan nation and redraw relations with India South China Morning Post https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/asia/article/2154061/how-china-nepal-railway-could-fast-track-change A mutual agreement over the pre-feasibility study was reached in August 2018.24 August 2018 zh:中尼跨境铁路预可行性研究评审会及中尼铁路技术交流在西安举行 zh China-Nepal cross-border railway pre-feasibility study review meeting and China-Nepal railway technical exchange held in Xi'an National Railway Administration of China http://www.nra.gov.cn/xwzx/gjjl/wsdt/201808/t20180824_64334.shtml 22 September 2018 The railway has been viewed as a way to reduce Nepal's dependence on India, which was made apparent during the 2015 Nepal blockade.Sangraula Bikash 2019-10-11 To decrease its dependence on India, Nepal eagerly awaits China rail plan The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/10/11/business/dependent-on-india-nepal-awaits-china-rail/2019-10-13 Nepal pushes to end dependency on India with China rail, tunnel deals Reuters https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nepal-china-xi-idUSKBN1WS0CA During the COVID-19 pandemic, China closed its border with Nepal, and plans to diversify imports from China failed to materialize.How Nepal's bid to diversify trade after the blockade fell flat https://kathmandupost.com/national/2021/12/29/how-nepal-s-bid-to-diversify-trade-after-the-blockade-fell-flat 2025-05-14 kathmandupost.com English The blockade had long lasting effects on Nepali households use of petroleum fuels, with poorer households more often continuing to use dirtier fuels such as firewood, whereas richer household moved towards using cleaner energy sources.Acharya Bikram Adhikari Santosh January 2021 Household energy consumption and adaptation behavior during crisis: Evidence from Indian economic blockade on Nepal https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0301421520307096 Energy Policy en 148 111998 10.1016/j.enpol.2020.111998 2021EnPol.14811998A subscription See also Nepal Anti-Indian sentiment Foreign policy of India Indian influence in Bangladesh References 30em Bibliography Nepal's Divisive New Constitution: An Existential Crisis International Crisis Group 2016 https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/570379ce4.pdf ICG, Nepal's Divisive New Constitution 2016 Nepal Blockade: A Humanitarian Crisis amidst Diplomatic Kerfuffle South Asians for Human Rights 2016 978-955-1489-18-2 http://www.southasianrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Report-on-the-Fact-Finding-Mission-to-Nepal.pdf SAHR, Nepal Blockade 2016 Category:2015 in Nepal Category:2015 in India Category:2015 in economic history Category:2015 in international relations Category:2015 in politics Category:Economic history of Nepal Category:Political history of Nepal Category:Blockades Category:India–Nepal relations Category:China–Nepal relations Category:Oil crises Category:Energy crises in Asia Category:2010s energy crisis