JHAPA: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav today said that he had been working within the parameters of the constitution towards upholding the national unity and sovereignty of the country. “I am working as per the constitution for the national unity and sovereignty of the country,’’ Dr Yadav said, inaugurating Mechi Eye Hospital at Anarmani-7 in Jhapa, today, amidst tight security. He also said that the country could no longer endure force and violence which he said would belie the wishes and aspiration of the people. “The desire of the people is not violence,’’ he said. President Yadav’s statement came in the wake of Maoists’ mounting condemnation against his move to reinstate the former chief of army. He also warned of turmoil in the country if the political parties failed to forge a consensus. Before it was too late, he urged all the political parties to seek a solution to their problem through the Constituent Assembly. “All the political parties should feel that they are responsible towards the nation.’’ He said that since the people have sent their representatives in the CA, it was necessary for them to find the solution to the problems from the CA itself. The President also spoke at length about a sea of change that has taken place in Nepal in recent times through the 12-point agreement hammered out between the different political parties and the UCPN- Maoist. Meanwhile, he also thanked Netherlands Foundation, Eye Care Centre and Lions Club for their contribution in developing the infrastructure of the hospital. On the occasion, Dr. Purusottam Joshi of the hospital briefed on the hospital’s activities. Representatives of the donor agencies —Martin Browers and Arnald Rolophs — expressed their satisfaction over the assistance they have provided for the hospital. The state-of-the-art Eye hospital has been constructed at Birtabazar of Anarmani-7 of the district. Rs 20 crore was spent for the completion of the project. According to Suraj Rauniyar, administrative officer of the hospital, patients of different parts of the eastern region, different cities of India, Bhutan, Bangaladesh also visit the hospital. Meanwhile, UCPN-Maoist called Jhapa Bandh today to protest the arrival of president Yadav. Market places and education institutions remained shut throughout the day and the public transport remained off the road. Meanwhile, a report from Itahari said that the cadres of UCPN-Maoist have picketed the main gate of Eastern Regional Headquarters of Nepal Army in Itahari today. The Maoists cadres showed black flags as President Yadav returned to spend the night here from Birtamod where he attended a programme. The Maoist cadres who came by bus from Dharan, Itahari, Hansposa brought the main gate of the military barrack under their control for an hour. They demonstrated as soon as the President landed in the barrack in a helicopter at 3 pm. The President made an inquiry on the security situation of the Eastern region. Senior regional administrative official and DIG of District Civil Police and APF briefed the President.