Kathmandu, March 18:

Nepali Congress central leader Laxman Ghimire today said the present law enforcement agencies are not effective to maintain law and order situation in the country.

Speaking at an interaction on Bandhs and Strike Should End Forever To Bring Change in the Society, Ghimire said, “The state should be active to maintain law and order before it can bring about change in the society.”

“People can raise voice for their rights any time, but repeated general strikes in Nepal have had an adverse impact on the lives of the general people and the state, too. Every protester must keep in mind that his or her activity does not violate other’s rights,” he said.

Sita Nandan Raya, a representative from the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum (MJF) and coordinator of the talks team, said, “Though the state has amended the interim constitution, they are not able to address the voices of 76 per cent of the population including the Madhesi, Dalit and women.”

He sought Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula’s resignation to create an environment conducive for talks between the government and the MJF and said the state should prioritise proportional participation of people.

Hari Dallakoti, president of the All Nepal Transport Workers’ Federation, said, “Regular bandhs and protests have affected the transportation sector hard. We are not free to continue our jobs, thanks to regular bandhs and protests.”

Prem Lal Maharjan, president of the National Consumers’ Forum, said, “General strikes result in creation of artificial shortage of everyday consumer goods in the markets.”