Nepal

Agitation for intact far-west hits life

Agitation for intact far-west hits life

By Himalayan News Service

DHANGADI,  August 6 Demonstrations organised by supporters of the intact far-west region adversely affected life in various parts of the region on Thursday. They demonstrated in Lamki, Tikapur, Bhajani, Attariya and Dhangadi of Kailali and obstructed vehicular movement at several places. People also demonstrated in Dhangadi demanding that the region be kept intact on Thursday. Various movements have started in Doti and Accham districts as well demanding that the region be kept intact. Folks in Kailali had resorted to protest yesterday saying that the central leaders were talking about splitting Kailali district and adjusting it with Tharuwan Pradesh. Leaders of four parties have cut across party lines and come together in support of the intact far-west agenda As many as 42 lawmakers representing the far-western region had submitted a memorandum to the senior leaders of major forces demanding that the nine districts of the region be kept intact yesterday. “We have humbly appealed to the senior leaders of the major forces to keep the districts of the region intact,” said NC lawmaker and the party’s district Chairman Bir Bahadur Balayar. He warned of resorting to protest by boycotting the CA, if their humble requests were ignored. Meanwhile, active Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, UCPN-Maoist, RPP-Nepal, Rastriya Janamorcha, among other party leaders, on Thursday expressed solidarity with the demonstration on Thursday. UCPN-Maoist politburo member Lekhraj Bhatta said that he was ready to abandon the party if the parties decided against the interest of the people of the region. Locals had come up with a 32-day agitation programme demanding an intact far-west region two years back as well. Gopal Deuba, Coordinator of united far-west struggle committee, warned of indefinite general strike from tomorrow until the region was declared intact. The demonstrators picketed District Development Committee and chanted slogans soon after Madhesi  leaders Upendra Yadav and Rajendra Mahato reached a programme venue at district covered hall. Security personnel were forced to take the leaders to the local Dibhito Hotel with a strong escorting force. They said that they would obstruct the airport to disturb the movements of leaders tomorrow as well.