Jhapa, June 3:

Minister for Peace and Reconstruction and the general secretary of Nepali Congress (NC) Ram Chandra Poudel today said that restructuring of the state on the basis of ethnicity would be dangerous.

Addressing the local NC cadres in Birtamod of Jhapa today, Poudel said: “Restructuring of Nepal — where there are over 100 different castes and languages and varied cultures - is not possible on the basis of ethnicity. If this happens, it will prove dangerous for the nation’s interest.”

Saying that NC has always been in the frontline while working for the interest of Nepali people, Poudel accused the leftists of involving in spreading rumours and propaganda.

“The NC should also start its publicity campaigns in a more aggressive manner now on”, Poudel said.

Accusing the Maoists of continuing with their atrocities, Poudel said the public and the police administration should take initiatives to curb the Maoists’ undesirable activities. Minister Poudel added that the first phase of talks with Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum was a success.

Also speaking in the programme, Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula said the NC activists should unite and be prepared for the creation of new Nepal.

Stating that NC was drawing a lot of criticism at present, Sitaula said: “NC is facing a lot of criticism at present. It is a general trend that people criticise those who are capable and powerful, so we take in the criticisms with much pride.”

Saying that the national and international community has approved Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala’s leadership, minister Sitaula added: “When the Prime Minister has said, there should be no doubt that election to constituent assembly will be held by mid-December.”

He assured that the government would take necessary measures to control the terror of wild elephants in the eastern VDCs of Jhapa.

NC district president Sudhir Kumar Siwakoti read out a message by PM Koirala, where he had thanked the NC district cadres and Jhapa residents for making the Saturday’s mass meeting successful.