RAJBIRAJ: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav today said the problems facing the country should be solved by the concerted efforts of one and all.

Speaking at a programme participated by representatives of various political parties and civil society, President Yadav said problems could be solved locally by the combined efforts of political parties, civil society and intellectuals. Earlier today, the President performed a puja at Chhinnamasta Temple in Saptari.

Stating that he was ever ready to carry out the responsibility as a guardian, he said, "Just as the efforts of the guardian alone are not enough to run a family, the cooperation of all the people is required to run the state affairs."

President Yadav called on all the parties to maintain national integrity first and foremost. "Our first priority is to guarantee the rights of people by drafting the constitution on time," he said. "My efforts will continue towards that end."

Reminding that he had come out of the party circle after his election to the country's top post, the President asked political parties to patch up their differences to collectively work for nation-building at this opportune time.

Claiming that Saptari had a great role in the country's political history, he expressed the need for developing the district further. He also advised Finance Secretary Rameshwor Khanal to plan for constructing a road from Rajbiraj to Nyour in India, upgrading the Rajbiraj airport and developing Chhinnamasta Temple area. Khanal expressed commitment to take up the matter. Ram Kumar Chaudhari, former State Minister for Home Affairs said the issues of language, caste and ethnicity were a threat to the country's integrity and asked the President to adopt a policy to tackle the problem.

Security beefed up

SAPTARI: Security personnel were heavily deployed on the 10km stretch between Rajbiraj and the Chhinnamasta Temple. Locals were barred from entering the temple. Security checks were conducted at four places. Mediapersons were denied access to the temple. Villagers coming to see Dr Yadav expressed disappointment at having been sent away. Maoist cadres chanted slogans against the President and showed him black flags from a distance. — HNS