Protesters tell China to urge Oli for peaceful settlement of current unrest
Protesters tell China to urge Oli for peaceful settlement of current unrest
Published: 02:37 pm Mar 18, 2016
KATHMANDU: Leaders of some Madhesi and Janajati-centric political parties, which are protesting the new Constitution, on Friday, told China to urge Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to seek a peaceful settlement of the ongoing political problems. The leaders held a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Wu Chuntai, this morning and handed over a two-page letter, which claims the Constitution was discriminatory and some of its major provisions were rejected by Madhesi and Janajati communities of the nation. Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal senior leader Ashok Kumar Rai had led the delegation that submitted the letter under the banner of 'Federal Alliance, Nepal', signed by representatives of 15 parties. 'People of Nepal have been continuously struggling for establishing an equitable society, federal system of governance and inclusive democracy for last six decades,' the letter reads, 'We sincerely hope your cooperation in understanding our rightful political demands and convey the same to your higher political authorities so that a diplomatic dialogue is generated for peaceful settlement.' 'We consider this opportunity as very vital since Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is going for state visit to China in very near future.' Prime Minister Oli is embarking on an official visit to China on Sunday. In the letter, the protesters have also accused the government of suppressing their protests by the use of force, going against principles of human rights. 'This is the crime against humanity,' they warned, 'Not addressing the demands of the agitating parties by the ruling parties may lead Nepal into civil war, in coming future, which may be beyond the control of present political parties.' In response, Chuntai said that he was aware of the protesters' demands and he would relay the issue to the Chinese government. He also said that the Chinese government may inquire Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli over the issue during his China visit.