Businessmen have reiterated that they will continue with the indefinite shut down till the government and eight party alliance express their written commitment to fulfill their demands.

Addressing a mass meeting in Basantapur area on Wednesday, they, however, said that they will let the door for dialogue open during the agitation as well.

FNCCI president Chandi Raj Dhakal addressing the mass at Basantapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Wednesday, Mar 21 07. nepalnews.com/ANA

FNCCI president Chandi Raj Dhakal addressing the mass at Basantapur Durbar…
Addressing the mass meeting President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), Chandi Raj Dhakal informed that the Prime Minister had told them that he had instructed all the state machinery to ensure security of businessmen.

Informing the mass about their meeting with the Prime Minister this morning, Dhakal said that they asked the Prime Minister that they will not stop the agitation till they receive written commitment from the government and the eight party alliance.

He assured the agitating businessmen that they will not compromise before their demands are met.

The government, on Tuesday, had vowed to take action against culprits involved in the beating of a hotelier in Kathmandu and urged the businessmen to sit for talks by calling off their strike. However, businessmen refused the government’s call and decided to continue their strike.

Addressing the same mass meeting, president of Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Binod Chaudhari said that the businessmen were ready to go for confrontation if their demands are not met.

Addressing the mass meeting representatives of various business organisations said the movement will continue till there is conducive environment for operation of their businesses.

Representatives of Private Health Institutions, Joint Madhesi Women’s Front, Thamel Tourism Development Committee, Private and Boarding School Organisation of Nepal (PABSON), National PABSON, Carpet Manufacturers’ Association, Garment Association of Nepal, Trekking Agents Association of Nepal, among others, addressed the mass meeting.

They all held the political parties responsible for the deteriorating situation of the business sector of the country even after the success of the Jana Andolan (People’s Movement) II.

They said that the problem emerged as the political parties concentrated wholly on political agenda leaving the economic agenda aside.

They said that they would not be able to operate their businesses till the government assures their security and the Maoists express their commitment to stop extortion and intimidation of the industrial sector.

They said that they were compelled to take to the street as the Maoists continued their extortion and intimidation even after they joined the parliamentary politics and even when they are poised to join the interim government.

Reacting to the Maoist leaders’ comment that there was some influence of reactionary forces and palace in the movement of the businessmen, they challenged the Maoist party and its chairman Prachanda to show proof of their accusations and added that the movement is solely aimed at protecting their professional rights.

The businessmen said that they will hold another mass meeting at the same place on Thursday morning.

The business community including over 70 various organisations led by FNCCI, Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) have announced indefinite strike since Monday afternoon following physical attack against businessmen in Kathmandu by Maoist cadres.