Despite the ongoing 300-hour economy blockade in the Indian state of Assam, Bhutanese vehicles travelling to Phuentshogling, Samdrup Jongkhar and Panbang are allowed to ply through Assam, twice a day.
However, as precaution, the residents of Gelegphu are already stocking up necessities from Dathgari, the bordering Indian town, where commodities come cheap. They fear the situation may worsen in days to come and that they may not be able to visit the Thursday Market in Dathgari.
The strike is expected to restrict the movement of vehicles, especially trucks carrying commercial goods, and close down shops and hotels along the Assam highway.
It was called by All Koch-Rajbanshi Students Union in Assam, demanding separate state. The strike began on Tuesday at 5 pm.