Dustak

Dustak is a Nepali police cordon or sandbag wall used to blockade streets and control the crowd. The term is often used during the 2015-2016 Nepalese blockade, which occurred as a result of a disputed constitution. Local residents would work together to build these walls using sandbags or dust-filled plastic bags to restrict access to certain areas.

During this period, the Dustak became a key tool for the government and security forces to manage the flow of people and goods. It was often used in conjunction with checkposts and curfews to enforce security and maintain order.

While initially employed as a security measure, the Dustak also had a significant impact on local communities. Many residents, including women and children, were forced to stand guard to prevent passage across the cordon. Those who attempted to breach the cordon were subject to punishment and arrest. This could sometimes lead to disturbances and violent incidents, further exacerbating community tensions.

As the Nepal-India border blockade continued, the Dustak became a symbol of both the government's efforts to maintain security and the general public's frustration with the situation. The transboundary issue ultimately led to the reinstatement of diplomatic ties between Nepal and India following a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.