DHULIKHEL: Minister for Irrigation Bal Krishna Khand today said that Nepali Congress would protect the incumbent UML-led government. He also said the recent activities of the Unified CPN-Maoist were against the agreement reached with the political parties.

Speaking during the 10th annual general meeting of Dhulikhel Drinking Water Project here, Khand blamed the former rebels of working against the spirit of the 12-point agreement reached among the parties four years back. The minister said that all the citizens had the right to protest and express disagreement. He was shown black flag by a Maoist cadre in the venue. "It's a daydreaming of the Maoists to think of seizing state powers with the arrogance of weapon," the minister said, adding that their threats would not make a difference in the functioning of the government.