Dhangadi, March 14

CPN-UML Vice-chairperson Bhim Rawal doubted the silence maintained by the United Democratic Madhesi Front over the killing of a Nepali youth at the Indian border.

Speaking at a press conference organised to inform about the party’s Mechi-Mahakali campaign in Dhangadi today, the UML leader took a dig at the front and said, “The silence of the UDMF — which had made such a huge clamour over the killing of five persons trying to disrupt a peaceful programme in Saptari — when a son of the nation was killed on the border has raised question over their commitment to the nation.”

Rawal sought due compensation for the bereaved family.

The former deputy prime minister also rued the government decision to identify Kailali and Kanchanpur as disputed districts. “It’s unfortunate that the government has recognised the districts as disputed,” he said, adding the decision was apparently to appease Madhes-based parties. He accused Madhes-based leaders of plotting to split the Tarai districts, including Kailali and Kanchanpur from Nepal.

On a different note, the opposition leader argued against ratifying the proposed constitution amendment bill and suggested that the government focus more on holding the scheduled elections instead. “The need of the hour is statute implementation, not amendment. Therefore, it’s high time the government focused on elections that will ensure statute enactment,” he observed.