Just days before the formation of the new government led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), China has displayed a cold attitude towards Nepal by initiating an unofficial blockade. Immediately following the on-site inspection of the Tatopani border in Sindhupalchok by the newly appointed and energetic Home Minister, Sudan Gurung, the Chinese side drastically reduced the number of containers entering Nepal.
Customs sources state that the border, which previously saw the passage of about 20 containers daily, is now only allowing 3 to 4 containers through after China tightened controls following the Home Minister's rigorous inspection. This move by China, initiated after the proactive measures of a Home Minister standing for good governance and transparency, and just before the formal commencement of the RSP government, is being viewed as highly significant.
Home Minister’s Proactiveness in Good Governance and Monitoring
Without any fanfare, Home Minister Sudan drove himself to the Khasa border last Sunday and conducted a meticulous inspection of the dry port and customs office there. To make the working procedures more organized and transparent, he requested necessary data from the customs officers and encouraged the employees to be responsible. Expressing serious concern over the broken arrival and departure 'walkthrough gate' at the border, he ordered its immediate repair and operation. Additionally, he interacted directly with the dry port workers and locals of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality Ward No. 3, listening to their grievances. Customs employees report that following these good-governance-driven steps by the Home Minister, Chinese security agencies tightened goods inspections and halted containers.
Publicly Accountable Leadership
The directly elected Member of Parliament from Gorkha-1 and current Home Minister, Gurung, has always stood firmly for the rights, interests, and development of the public. To ensure the effective operation of various state mechanisms, he frequently visits the field himself. Previously, he met with officials from Nepal Telecom and stood in favor of ordinary citizens by instructing them to immediately abolish the unfair system of deducting money from the main balance once a data pack expires. Similarly, he has played a crucial role in accelerating development initiatives by inspecting the under-construction parliament building inside Singha Durbar, as well as visiting the Ministries of Tourism and Water Supply. The Home Minister's proactive, publicly accountable approach has infused the state apparatus with new energy and hope.
