Kathmandu, November 27

The Federal Socialist Alliance has condemned the arson attack on the dais prepared by the alliance in Itahari for a scheduled public function today. The programme was to be attended by some central Madhesi leaders.

The Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal, a constituent of the FSA, issued a press release condemning the attack on alliance’s dais. FSA stated in the release that the government used CPN-UML cadres and students to attack the dais, exposing the government’s undemocratic and dictatorial character.

FSF-N Chair Upendra Yadav told THT that it was extremely deplorable that the government used its party workers to vandalise the dais of an opposition party with the intent of provoking communal clashes between Pahadis and Madhesis. He said the UML-led government was using local administration and party cadres to provoke communal clashes.

“Itahari incident indicates that the government, instead of giving an outlet to the current problems through negotiation, is trying to push the country into further confrontation,” FSF-N stated in the release.

Stating that the government was making the country hostage to indecision, the party added that the government should immediately stop its anti-people actions.

The party also accused the government of avoiding the negotiating table.

FSF-N said the alliance cadres maintained restraint in Itahari even though they were provoked by the government-backed political cadres. The party, however, urged its cadres to maintain restraint and not to be provoked by anti-people actions of the government.