Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, July 12:

The Central Joint Struggle Committee (CJSC) of Nepal Telecom Company Limited today lighted 162 candles and protested with black banner demanding resumption of cellular mobile phone services. The 162 candles were lighted as an indication of the 162 days of closure of the cellular mobile phone services. Both, NT Workers’ Union (NTWU) and Telecom Employees’

Association of Nepal (TEAN) are organising joint protest programmes. “We appeal all the 173,000 pre-paid users and some 77,000 post-paid mobile users to show solidarity to our agitation,” said Tanka Lal Shrestha, president of TEAN. Shrestha further said there is no reason to keep suspending the pre-paid mobile phone serivices when the ‘suspected people’ could be filtered while re-registering the forms. “The new development suggests that there could be some hidden interest behind the delay,” he said adding that the CJSC would keep on protesting until the services resume.

“NT has connection with some 36 countries and have roaming facilities and also satellite phones are still working. We, too, are sensitive over the security of the people, but it is not justifiable to suspend people’s right to information in the name of security,” Shresstha told The Himalayan Times. Shrestha said the NT has incurred a loss of some one billion rupees after the suspension of mobile services from February 1. Last week, the committee had postponed the protest after the administration assured them of resumption of the service within a week.