Kathmandu, November 6

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today told representatives of the Federation of Nepali Journalists that the blockade of border points had brought about untold misery to the people of Nepal.

Oli said a trade embargo had deliberately been imposed as supply of petroleum products had been blocked and this had obstructed reconstruction tasks in the aftermath of the April 25 earthquake.

Oli was of the view that India did this to show its disapproval of the newly promulgated constitution. He clarified, “The new constitution was promulgated by Nepalis for Nepalis and intended no malice towards anyone.”

Furthermore, the PM argued that the new national charter was promulgated constitutionally after deliberating each clause and it was endorsed by overwhelming majority of Constituent Assembly members.

Referring to those who were terming the constitution ‘ regressive’, Oli claimed that the new constitution was progressive and therefore he was ready to hold discussions on issues regarding the new constitution. He also added that the government was ready to resolve the Tarai problems through dialogue.

Saying that the people were showing extraordinary patriotism and love for the nation, he informed that the government was searching for alternatives to ease the difficulties as the country had already incurred a loss of over 50 billion rupees due to the blockade.

He said, “The government is concerned about resolving the current crisis. I am personally very sad that the public has had to bear the brunt of the crisis.”

He also added that the government would promote a policy encouraging the public to purchase electric vehicles and heaters as the people were suffering unnecessarily.

The PM told the FNJ members, who had visited Singha Durbar to congratulate him on his election to the high office that the press should not allow issues that could weaken national unity, sovereignty, integrity and devalue national welfare and integrity as some coercive activities in the name of press freedom had posed a threat to the country.

He added that freedom does not mean anarchy, we should be mature and responsible and work with the realisation that the country needs national unity.