The government has formally asked all protesting groups to end their strikes.

A meeting of the Council of Ministers held Monday morning at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar decided to call for end to all kinds of agitations going on across the country.

Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Minister of State for Labour and Transport Management Ramesh Lekhak have been given the responsibility to take initiatives to end the transport strike in different parts of the country. They have been entrusted to hold dialogue with the organisers of strikes in eastern and southern districts.

Transporters have announced indefinite transport strike in the eastern region to protest the strike called by Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF).

The strike, called two days ago after the MJF called off its strike in view of Holi festival, has paralysed normal life in the East. Industries, marketplaces, educational institutions remain shut.

The government asked the protesting groups to end their agitations to create an environment for the forthcoming constituent assembly election.

Meanwhile, the MJF has announced indefinite transport and custom strike in 22 Terai districts from Tuesday. Speaking at a press meet organised in Biragnagar Monday, MJF president Upendra Yadav announced the strike accusing the government of not creating conducive environment for talks. He claimed that the government was not serious about solving the Terai problems.