Lawmakers for addressing agitators’ demands

KATHMANDU, August 14

The lawmakers on Friday urged the authorities concerned to address the demands of agitators on the issue of demarcation, along with compensation to the victims.

Addressing on Friday’s session of the Parliament, NC lawmaker Tapta Bahadur Bista demanded appropriate compensation for the families of those who lost their lives and free treatment for those who were injured during the struggle against the demarcation of provinces.

Unified CPN-Maoist lawmaker Ganeshman Pun said the protesters’ demands should be addressed, whereas provinces should be demarcated on the basis of identity and development capability. He said the protesters should be calmed down by addressing their demands of identity, autonomy, and special conservation.

MJF-Democratic lawmaker Yogendra Chaudhary said the country’s democracy was in peril, as people demanding their rights were being suppressed. He added that the draft constitution should be amended as per the people’s demands.

NC lawmaker Rita Shahi warned that suppressing the Karnali movement against autonomy and the locals’ rights would lead to unpleasant consequences.

UML Vice-Chairman and lawmaker Bhim Bahadur Rawal opposed the inciting statement of an NC lawmaker while addressing a function in Tikapur of Kailali district. He demanded action against the lawmaker for challenging national sovereignty and integrity.

UCPN-M lawmaker Aman Lal Modi flayed government’s attack on the struggle of Tharu communities for their identity. He said the demands of Tharus should be addressed.

Meanwhile, discussion on appropriation bill continued on different topics in the Parliament on Friday as well. On Friday’s discussion focused on six ministries, including Education, Urban Development, Irrigation, Energy, Information and Communication, as well as Forest and Soil Conservation.

Objecting to the budget allocation for the ministries, lawmakers Bikram Bahadur Thapa and Agni Sapkota presented separate proposals of cutting their expenditure.