Kathmandu, July 25:

Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula today called on the unions not to hamper activities of the free press. Calling on the unions to behave responsibly, he said, “Unions affiliated to the parties should not control the free press.” Speaking at an interaction organised by the Nepal

Students’ Union, he also appealed to everyone to help create a conducive environment for the constituent assembly polls. NSU president Pradip Poudel said BP Koirala is the name of an ideology and not only the name of a person. “If he were alive, he would also be favouring a republican set-up,” he said, adding that if the party (Nepali Congress) were to follow him in a true sense it should become progressive.

Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Mahantha Thakur said, “The government is initiating talks to resolve the problems of Madhes.” Meanwhile, NSU vice-president Bhupendra Jung Shahi, general secretary Gajendra Karki and other members of the NSU boycotted the function, saying that they were ignored by the president and were

not called in the dais and not allowed to address the function.