Press Release :11/27/15

Nepalese in New England Protesting Against Border Blockade in Nepal

Nepalese living in the New England area are organizing a peaceful protest against the blockade of critical supplies into Nepal due to political stalemate between India and Nepal which is causing mass suffering and violation of United Nations charter for landlocked countries. The protest will take place at Copley Square, Boston on Sunday, November 29th, 2015 at 2:00 PM. Immediately following the promulgation of the constitution, which was voted by 85% of constituent assembly and praised by several countries including the United States, India imposed an undeclared blockade that has crippled the lives of millions in the Himalayan nation. India’s blockade is meant to support a very small percentage of Terai population who are regional elites and landlords with deep family ties in India. We stand with the majority of fellow Nepalis and Madheshis whose lives have been harshly affected due to the selfish actions of few leaders.

Nepal, which is just recovering from a 7.8 Richter scale earthquake, is unable to cope with the blockade, which has been in place for the last two months and is ongoing. The blockade has caused a severe shortage of food, fuel, medicines and cooking gas, triggering hospital closures as well as massive deforestation as individuals turn to wood fires to meet their needs. Post-earthquake reconstruction has also been halted due to the blockade. As the landlocked country of Nepal conducts more than 75% of its trade through its open border with India, the blockade has caused more damage to the economy than the devastating earthquakes. The shortages in addition to the winter season, which has already started in mountains, is going to cause one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the region.

Nepalese of all walks of life in Boston and other New England cities are expected to participate in the peaceful protest at Copley Square.  An estimated 300 thousand Nepalese live in the United States, and around 25 thousand Nepalese live in the New England area.

We appeal the International community to come forward and voice against the inhumane blockade and urge the politicians to end the crisis and strengthen bilateral coexistence.

Organized by Nepalese Residents of New England

Contact Person: San Pradhan

Phone:                 978 884 9021       Email:    sanman02150@gmail.com