Professionals warn of agitation

Biratnagar, April 1 :

Representatives of various professional organisations based in the eastern region, at a protest meet organised by the professionals of Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Saptari and Siraha district, said today in Biratnagar they would launch a nationwide street agitation if their demands were not met.

“All sectors of the society have been affected by the promulgation of ordinances and the amendments to the existing laws,” said vice-chairperson of the Nepal Teachers’ Association, Taranath Bhattarai, adding: “Only through the restoration of democracy can the crisis plaguing the country be resolved.”

Urging the government to meet the teachers’ demands, Bhattarai warned: “Some 2,00,000 teachers will stage street demonstrations across the country if their demands are not met.” “The rights of professionals can be protected only in a democratic state,” said vice-chairman of the Nepal Civil Servants’ Association, Shankar Pokhrel.

He also accused the government of issuing irresponsible statements and directives in the time of crisis.

“The agitation launched by the seven political parties would restore democracy in the country,” said regional vice-chairman of the Inter-Bank Staff Association, Bishwambhar Raj Adhikari.

Speaking on the occasion, chairman of the Nepal Teachers’ Union (Morang) Dilli Pokhrel, chairperson of the Professional Federation (Jhapa) Netra Pathak, president of the FNJ (Morang) Shiva Karki, accused the government of suppressing the peaceful agitation launched by the political parties.

They also urged the Maoists to lay down arms and take part in the peaceful agitation.