KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushil Koirala today urged various student unions to exercise restraint and act in a disciplined manner while staging protests.

Responding to the concerns raised by 11 student unions about the disruption of essential supplies at border checkpoints, the prime minister urged the students to act responsibly. He was hinting at the recent activities by student unions of burning the effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian flag.

“The future of our country is in your hands. Therefore, you should act in a disciplined manner and avoid activities detrimental to national interests.” He also clarified that the government was serious regarding the “official blockade” by India and the ongoing protest in various Tarai districts. “We will hold talks with the agitating parties and resolve the crisis soon,” he said.

The 11 student unions today handed over a memorandum to the prime minister urging him to take immediate steps to end the current blockade and hold talks with the agitating parties.

Ranjit Karna, a member of parliament and president of the NC-aligned Nepal Student Union, said they urged the PM to seek alternatives to ensure supply of petroleum products and other essentials if India continues its blockade. “This is high time that the country seek alternatives and head towards self-reliance,” he said.

He further said that the NSU was going to hold a cycle rally in various seven districts from tomorrow.“The cycle rally, which will begin from BP Chowk in Pokhara tomorrow, will pass through various districts such as Lamgung, Syangja, Palpa, Butwal, Nawalparasi and Rupendehi.”