Fulbari, 23rd June: Tension flared up at the Fulbari border in Siliguri on Monday as multiple trade and transport associations staged a protest demanding a ban on the direct entry of Bhutanese trucks into Bangladesh. The demonstration disrupted border operations and led to several arrests.
The protest was organised by four local groups, Fulbari II Border Local Truck Owners Welfare Association, Fulbari Exporters Association, Fulbari Drivers Association, and Fulbari C&F Association. The protestors blocked the border and demanded that Bhutanese trucks should unload goods at the Fulbari border, from where Indian trucks should transport them into Bangladesh.
Demonstrators, including truck owners, drivers, and their family members, also launched a hunger strike that has now continued for about nine days. They alleged that Bhutanese trucks have been carrying overloaded gravel and boulders directly into Bangladesh for the past few months, severely impacting the livelihood of Indian transporters dependent on this trade route.
The protest caused a massive traffic jam at the Fulbari border, leaving many trucks stranded. A heavy police presence was deployed to control the situation. Despite repeated requests, protesters refused to withdraw, prompting the police to detain several men and women involved in the demonstration and take them to NJP police station.
Protestors stated that they had submitted multiple appeals to the administration and the Chief Minister regarding this issue, but no action has been taken so far. Following the police intervention, the Bhutanese trucks resumed movement into the land port.
