Kathmandu, May 26:

Accusing the government of being indifferent to their demands, the agitating teachers’ and students’ unions today announced fresh protest programmes including Kathmandu Valley bandh tomorrow.

During a joint press meet, Guna Raj Lohani, president of the Educational Republic Forum (ERF), said they have called for Kathmandu Valley bandh tomorrow to protest the police highhandedness during their peaceful agitation yesterday and the irresponsible statement by the Education Minister Pradeep Nepal about the agitating unions.

“The minister should apologise publicly for labelling us terrorist outfit,” he said, adding, “The government should bear all the expenses for treatment of those injured during the protest.”

A joint meeting of the unions held today also decided to carry on padlock in the District Education Offices, Department of Education, Regional Education Directorates and Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB). They would also padlock the school administration from now on.

They demanded that the ongoing eight parties’ meeting reach an agreement on educational demands raised by teachers and students and take initiative for creating environment conducive for dialogue. Lekhanath Neupane, president of the All Nepal National Independent Students Union-Revolutionary (ANNISU-R), said the union met Maoist leadership to urge them to raise their concerns in the eight-party meeting.

The union also gave an ultimatum until July 15 for the government to seek a solution of the present uncertainty. “If the government does not take initiative to address our demands, we will be forced to announce indefinite strike in all educational institutions, including colleges and universities,” he said.

Lohani said they might put off some protest programmes if the eight parties made their stance clear over their demands.

“We are hopeful that our demands will be discussed when eight parties meet,” he said.