Pokhara, January 12

Former prime minister and senior CPN-UML leader Jhalanath Khanal today expressed concern about the impact of the earthquake and border blockade on the national economy.

“The people were just coping with the quake when the blockade came up which has sent life and the economy of the country haywire,” said the UML leader, speaking at a press meet organised by Press Chautari Kaski here today.

“As the country is beset by multiple grave problems now, it’s the duty of all to think of ways to bolster the national economy that has suffered such a huge setback,” he said, suggesting that the government attract foreign investment by improving rapport with the country’s immediate neighhbours and other prospective foreign investing partners and countries.

Stressing the need to boost investment in the field of agriculture, tourism and energy production, Khanal asked all to learn a lesson from the frequent blockades.

Also asking the government find alternatives for the smooth supply of petroleum products such as petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas, he rued the delay in exploring alternatives to ensure the supply of fuel.

“Four months have passed and the government is still nowhere close to finding an alternative, which tells us how helpless the government has been, and is.

It has also failed to ensure peace and security in the plains,” said Khanal.