Kathmandu, January 21:

Many people could not attend a programme held here today by the Nepal Tamang National Federation (NTNF) to mark the 2843 Lhosar of the Tamangs due to the transport strike.

The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneur (FNNTE) had organised the strike to protest vandalism of their buses in Siraha on Friday.

Protesters on Friday had set ablaze several passenger buses for plying during a strike.

Expected number of people could not congregate at the National Fag Lhosar Festival organised here today.

“We requested the FNTTE president to issue passes to three vehicles, but he told

us to talk to the Home Minister for the same,” said Shyam Tamang, the NTNF secretary.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Subash Nembang, Speaker of the interim legislative parliament, said the ongoing unrest in the Terai was aimed at disrupting constituent assembly polls and that this was a very serious problem. “The government should hold talks with the parties concerned to sort out the issue and solve all problems,” he said, adding, “This is a serious issue to be addressed.”

“As Nepal is a secular state now, the government, like other festivals, should declare Lhosar a national holiday,” Nembang said. “I will raise this issue in the parliament.”

The NTNF felicitated Nembang for becoming Speaker of the interim legislature parliament.