Sindhupalchowk, March 17:

Representatives of civil society, human rights activists, lawyers and journalists have urged Maoists to withdraw the blockade.

A joint statement issued here today said the blockade has not only created problems for local vegetable and dairy farmers, but also violated human rights by not allowing even ambulances to ply on the roads. The statement demanded ambulances, fire brigades and vehicles belonging to the press and diplomatic missions be allowed to ply freely.

Rishi Ram Poudyal of the FNJ and Bhesh Ram Dhakal of the Human Rights Monitoring Committee and others have signed the statement.