Kathmandu, August 25:

Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has urged to declare the industrial and trading sector a ‘violence free’ zone.

CNI has also expressed its serious concern over increasing attacks on the industry, commerce and trading sector for the last two months, which has discouraged the industrialists. The increased violence has not only led to the closure of industries and business houses, but also adversely affected the livelihoods of thousands of workers and employees depending on it.

Organising a press meet here today, CNI expressed its grievances over forced closure of various tea estates in Jhapa and Ilam in eastern Nepal, bombing and setting fire at Reliance Spinning and Jyoti Spinning Mills, and closure of Colgate Palmolive and Unilever Nepal Ltd along with five other subsidiary industries.

“Such an activity that has no logic and has waned the business confidence at large, which may have serious consequences in the national economy in the coming days,” said Binod Kumar Chaudhary, president of CNI. He also referred that an increasing burglary at banks and finance companies in the Kathmandu valley, increased extortions, transport strike as well as blockades has already put an unprecedented pressure on the business.

Criticising both the state and rebel group, Chaudhary lambasted their apathy towards the industrial sector. “None of the concerned party is serious about resolving the problems faced by the industry, commerce and trading sector. Increased attacks are politically motivated,” he said adding that industry, trade and commerce sector should be separated from the politics.

With the declining business environment, capital flight has increased unknowingly, while domestic industrial investment climate is worsening everyday, he said. Chaudhary urged the government, civil society, rebels, political parties as well as concerned stakeholders to seek immediate resolution of the existing problem.

“Political forces are either ignorant or not serious about our concerns and problems,” said Rajendra Khetan, vice-president, CNI. He said nationalism couldn’t foster by closing down the industries, rather a strong economy can only builds up the nationalism. Jagadish Prasad Agrawal, a CNI member, suggested in creating a conducive environment for business and industry sector.

Murarka new vice-president

KATHMANDU:

Aatma Ram Murarka, national council member of CNI has been appointed the vice-president of the confederation. The CNI national council meeting on Wednesday decided to appoint him as a vice-president. He will look after industry and related fields. The number of vic-e-presidents at CNI has now reached four. — HNS