Kathmandu, May 21:

Leaders of political parties today urged the government to persuade agitating teachers to reopen government and private schools through talks.

Speaking at an interaction on ‘Anarchy in Education’ held by the Nepal Teachers’ Union, Suprava Ghimere, an NC member, said, “The government should take initiatives to address demands of teachers and declare schools a peace zone.”

Gopal Man Shrestha, vice-president of the NC-D, called on the Ministry of Education and Sports to meet the demands. UML leader Jhalanath Khanal said, “Schools should be recognised as a peace zone.”

Mohan Gyawali, president of the Nepal Teachers Association, said, “Once the CA is set up, the state should channelise 20 per cent of its investment in the education sector.”