Kathmandu, September 21:

The World Food Programme (WFP) in Nepal today said that the attack on the truck ferrying WFP food aid on Wednesday in Dang is an illustration of escalation in insecurity. The UN body warned that it would be forced to suspend the supply of food aid until the safe passage of WFP cargo and staff is ensured.

“This incident occurred first time since the signing of the peace accord represents an escalation in insecurity that will severely impact the WFP’s ability to provide humanitarian food aid to needy populations in Nepal,” said WFP Country Representative Richard Ragan in a statement.

He warned: “Attacks against vehicles carrying the WFP food aid, staff or implementing partners may force us to suspend humanitarian food assistance in Nepal until the safe passage of WFP cargo and staff is assured.”

He added that the WFP efforts to provide humanitarian food assistance to flood-hit population in the Tarai is facing significant challenges and delays because of ongoing violence and strikes there.

“The attack on the truck carrying the WFP food aid is likely to further impede our ability to maintain the delivery of food aid, threatening the lifeline for over 2.5 million needy people in Nepal.”

A truck ferrying 12 metric tons foodgrains to Dadeldhura of the WFP food aid was attacked and burned by a mob in Dang on Wednesday. The truck driver remained unharmed, but all of the WFP food aid was burnt in the incident.

“In order to continue our humanitarian food relief operations in Nepal, safe passage of WFP staff, implementing partners, food suppliers and transport partners carrying WFP food aid must be ensured by all concerned,” said Ragan.