Butwal, Sept.15 (RSS): Main Opposition Party leader and CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal inaugurated the national gathering of the workers of Nepal Utpidit Jatiya Mukti Samaj (Downtroddens’ Society) here today.

The objective of the gathering is to train the society workers to properly implement the programme recently announced by the government for uplifting the socio-economic status of the downtrodden (Dalits).

Some 250 lead workers are participating in the three-day gathering.

In his inaugural speech, CPN-UML general secretary Nepal stressed the need to launch a campaign against feudal culture so as to do away with social malpractice like untouchability.

Stressing the need for Dalits to first overcome the inferiority complex they are suffering from and work for bringing about greater cultural awareness, he said it is equally important for them to unite and organise against injustice, excesses and suppression.

One should not put too much effort into patching up a crumbled house, he said, asking one and all to bring a change in status quoist attitude and move ahead in unison for building welfare society.

Mr Nepal also underlined the need to focus on people’s basic problems, protection of national identity and consolidation of democracy during the government-Maoist talks. He further said that no one can win the trust of people at gun point.

National Assembly vice-chairman Ramprit Paswan called for the commitment of all communities for the protection of democracy.

CPN-UML standing committee member Bharat Mohan Adhikari spoke of the need to punish those helping social malpractice like untouchability continue.

CPN-UML central members Shanta Manavi and Bishnu Poudel, central general secretary of the society Jitu Gautam and member Joglal Bishwokarma also expressed their views.

Central president of the society Chhabi Lal Bishwokarma presided.