KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bamdev Gautam criticised the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF)'s announcement of Rs 5 million to the families of those who would be killed while taking part in agitation in Tarai.

He said such an announcement to provoke the people to take part in violent agitation for money was against the international laws.

"It is sad to hear that the parties, which represent in the Constituent Assembly itself, have made such an announcement like the one made by a group involved in violence," he said, speaking at the Legislature-Parliament today.

"Some groups are trying to disrupt racial and social harmony in some Tarai districts. Public property has been damaged and security personnel and general people are being attacked. One must understand his or her responsibility not to affect other's rights while fighting for his or her rights," he said, adding that he wants the Parliament to play a constructive role in preventing such activities that undermine the country’s sovereignty from taking place.

Saying that four people were killed in agitations in various places in the county so far, he urged the agitators to maintain peace.

Meanwhile, DPM Gautam today presented the controversial press statement issued by the UDMF to Speaker Subas Nembang today.

Stating that the Home Minister submitted the press release related to the UDMF with clarification, Speaker Nembang directed the State Affairs Committee to probe into the submitted materials and draw the conclusions.

The audios and videos, containing the controversial remarks made by various lawmakers was also sent to the same Committee earlier.