BAGLUNG: General Secretary of the UCPN-Maoist Krishna Bahadur Mahara said the unofficial blockade imposed by India on Nepal would help Nepal seek measures to be self-reliant.

Addressing a Tihar fair organised by the Janahit Art Centre of the district here on Wednesday, General Secretary Mahara reiterated that the blockade prodded Nepal to raise capital within the country and become self-reliant.

The country has both challenges and opportunities ahead, he said, adding that the first priority of the present government should be to effectively implement the new constitution and promote national independence.