NALBARI, Nov 10 ? The Royal Government of Bhutan has lifted the restriction imposed on the entry of Indian people to its territory through the Samdrup Zongkhar main gate on the Indo-Bhutan border. This was decided at a recent meeting of the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police of the newly-formed Baska district with Bhutanese officials in Samdrup Zongkhar town.
The Bhutan Government had closed down and restricted all its entrances for free movement of Indian people following ?Operation All-clear? carried out by its army against the Indian militants camping in Bhutan?s forests.
Following the discussion, the Indo-Bhutan Border Area Citizen Forum has withdrawn its agitational programme of Samdrup Zongkhar boycott which was called on October 27. Normal situation is fast returning to the bordering Darranga Mela and Samdrup Zongkhar town.
According to official sources, the Bhutanese authorities have assured the Indian counterparts that they will allow Bhutanese citizens to move freely into Indian territory if the situation is found satisfactory. Sources said that now the Samdrup Zongkhar main gate will remain open up to 8 pm.
Bhutan has also decided not to enhance 25 per cent water tax, being paid to Bhutan by the Indian farmers for using the water coming down from the Bhutan hills through different canals. The Bhutan Government is also likely to lift the ?water tax? system imposed since 1953 on Indian farmers, the sources said.