KATHMANDU: CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal on Wednesday said the Supreme Court verdict regarding the Constitution amendment bill saved the country from division.

The apex court in its verdict stated that it was up to the Parliament to decide on the Constitution amendment proposal. A writ had been filed earlier in the apex court seeking a stay order on the matter.

"The verdict of the court is a welcome decision. The step of the government to split Province No. 5 is against the mandate of the people," said the former Prime Minister.

He was speaking at an interaction organised by Press Chautari Nepal as part of a people's demonstration to be organised by nine opposition political parties including the UML on January 6.

Leader Nepal also urged the government to implement the Constitution and go for all three levels of the elections at local, provincial and federal levels by putting the Constitution amendment on hold.

On the occasion, UML Vice Chairperson Ashta Laxmi Shakya urged the government to revoke the Constitution amendment proposal, terming it unconstitutional, against people's mandate and a step to disintegrate the country.

Also, Press Chautari Chairman Ganesh Basnet urged all nine opposition political parties to make the people's demonstration a success.

READ ALSO:

• UML 'respects' Supreme Court order, calls govt to withdraw