Kathmandu, March 8:

Nepal bandhs, strike and protests being held by various political parties have adversely affected the business sector to a great extend and ultimately violate human rights of businesspersons as well.

16 business organisations including the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) and Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) have raised their voices unanimously to protest against further bandhs and strikes as they have hurt the national economy, making the sustenance of small and big business enterprises difficult.

Ajad Shrestha, vice-president of FNCCI, said that there is a blatant violation of human rights of businesspersons that needs to be ‘stopped’ immediately. Shrestha demanded all concerned sections in the political arena to declare the business sector as a ‘peace zone’ and allow free operation of businesses.

Shrestha also disclosed that the business community is thinking of making an appeal to chief of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Ian Martin regarding the violation of human rights of business sector people.

Surendra Bir Malakar, vice-president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), said that all 16 business associations are going to make a joint appeal to concerned political parties not to move ahead in organising bandhs and strikes as it will ultimately snatch away our bread and butter. Malakar said that businesspersons have also the right to do business.

Business sector people do not have coordination among themselves which has damaged its ability to have one voice against bandhs and strikes, Malakar added.

Kiran Sakha, president of Garment Association of Nepal (GAN), said the bandhs and strikes have resulted in a huge loss in sales, wage and work. Nepal is selling on buyers’ market currently not on sellers’ market, said Sakha while speaking at an interaction programme held at the NCC today.

Dhrub Narayan Shrestha, president of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), asked media’s help to restore the image of tourism. Shrestha urged all businesspersons to open their shops and enterprises even during bandhs called by political people.

Acting president of NCC, Jagdish Prasad Khetan appealed to all concerned political activists to respect the rights of business sector people.

Human rights activities are themselves violating human rights, he accused.