The economical blockade imposed at the main custom points, including at Jogbani-Biratnagar, Bhitamore-Janakpur, Raxaul-Birgunj, Sunauli-Bhairahawa, and Rupaidiha-Nepalgunj, along “no man’s land” of Nepal-India border is on its second month. As the result, Nepal is facing a humanitarian crisis as majority of Nepal’s imports, including vital fuel, medical and food supplies, come from neighbouring India.

More than 8 million students are directly affected as the schools and colleges are not able to run efficiently. Elderly and sick people are exposed to greater risks as even the ambulances and hospitals are not able to provide all the services. Transportation is at its worst with people having to travel with high risk on public vehicles and even the the flights are not being operated efficiently because of lack of fuel. In short, this generation is probably going through the worst times of their lives this year, right after the massive earthquake hit this landlocked country in April.

We talked to some celebrities to find out about their experiences of the crisis and what according to them might be a good solution to end it. Find out how the music and movie industries along with the media sector have been affected by this crisis. Read what they have to say.

Abhaya Subba
Singer

“For many Nepalis like me – this crisis has been like living in a war zone. You must have heard many say that the earthquake was easier to tackle than this. As a musician – we’ve had to postpone our upcoming 4th album for the umpteen time. It has been frustrating to watch people respond to the game of Divide and rule, the huge divide between Kathmandu and Tarai. It has easily been the hardest of times for me personally.
For problems that have been festering day by day we can’t find a miracle formula to solve this. We need to understand that Nepali politicians have depended on trade treaties with India alone – this blockade is an awakening that we need to start developing our hydro, solar and wind power – that we need to start making our own products. I think this blockade is the beginning of true independence. I hope that we keep this in mind all the time, all the while – even when the blockade lifts that the only solution to our problems lies inside Nepal. To embrace our multi culture and to start building an environment conducive to young and visionary leaders of tomorrow’s Nepal.”

Malvika Subba
Miss Nepal 2002/Media Personality

“Not just the present crisis but since the earthquake, it has been very difficult for us. As a freelance media person my daily bread comes from events and projects. I was jobless the first 3 months after the earthquake. Slowly around July/August, things had just started picking up when the present crisis started. All the projects and events that were lined up got cancelled one by one. So that meant very little or no earning for me since the last 7 months. I am living off my savings which doesn’t seem to last too much. And this has never happened in my career.
If the Madhesis demands are not met there will be no progress. The government has to agree to most of the demands (not all) and make them happy if we want a unified Nepal to progress. Also think of other ways to be non dependent on India in the future. I don’t know why the current PM needed to have a reception when the entire nation is suffering for their next meal. Please hire a new PR consultant. Seriously!”

Girish Khatiwada aka Gorkhali-G
Singer

“Just like it has affected the rest of the citizens of the country, this blockade has directly affected me in several ways. It’s hard to commute to work – studios, radio stations, shooting locations, etc. Event organizers are having a hard time bringing artists to perform. There are times when you have to walk for hours to find a restaurant that serves food. Even many of my friends’ restaurants have been closed down recently because of the fuel shortage. My suggestion to solve this situation is to learn to be self dependent and also find other sources from where we can import the goods needed for us. Indian colonialism on media, politics and consumers’ goods has made us very dependent. We put all our eggs on one basket. We need to spread them for alternative sources for times like these.”

Nisha Adhikari
Actress/Miss Nepal International 2005

“I have nothing much to say about my personal experience. We all have the same song of suffering here. The solution according to me is that there should have been a tactful diplomatic approach since decades. The consequences now, as we all know, has been predictable since Prithvi Narayan Shah’s era. His two major instructions were to maintain healthy relationships with the South and North; and not to import Indian cotton clothes (we can magnify that and apply It on the overall import from India). We can’t repeat the same mistake with China now. It will be like: out of the frying pan into the fire. Anyways, the good news coming out of all these is — since the Indian flowers couldn’t be imported , the local Nepali flowers found their way to the market in proper prices and so the farmers are relieved and very happy. This should be an example.”

Please also share your experiences with us and write what you think might be the best solution to resolve this crisis, in the comment section below.