The Industrial Security Group (ISG) has condemned the recent abduction of employees working in industrial and commercial activities and the Maoist threats against them.
A statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu on behalf of the ISG on Monday said, “The Industrial Security Group (ISG) condemns the recent Maoist abduction of employees engaged in industrial and commercial activities and the Maoist threats against and forced closure of businesses.”

It added, “Industries and their employees should be allowed to carry on their work freely and peacefully. These actions violate the human right to work and hurt the overall economy of Nepal.”

The reaction of the ISG, which comprises representatives of the Embassies of France, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Delegation of the European Commission, along with their bilateral Chambers of Commerce comes after reports of abduction of three employees of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd, a leading tobacco industry in Nepal, by the Maoists on Saturday and forced closure of businesses and industries around the country.

“The abduction of employees harms those workers and their families and hurts the commercial interests of foreign investors in Nepal, driving away valuable foreign investment and jobs for Nepali people,” the ISG further said, urging the Maoists to release the abducted employees.

The ISG is chaired by the US Embassy.

In a bid to disrupt the February 8 municipal elections, the Maoists have imposed a weeklong nationwide bandh (general strike), blocking highways and closing down marketplaces, industries, schools and colleges.