The Loktantra Day Organising Committee has issued a statement, on Thursday, deploring the attempt by “certain elements to prevent Ram Chandra Poudel, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, from delivering his address at the Loktantra Day Citizen’s Assembly on 24 April.”

The statement signed by coordinator of the committee Padma Ratna Tuladhar and members Sushil Pyakurel, Kanak Dixit and Shyam Shrestha, states that at a time when the country is preparing for elections to the Constituent Assembly, only peaceful debate and discussion can fulfill the people’s desire for democracy and an end to conflict.

“From the village to district to national level, we must develop the practice of respecting those whose views may differ from our own. In the coming days, we request all parties, organisations and civil society groups which believe in pluralism not to allow activities which disrupt public meetings. Such conduct will only strengthen those who wish to harm democracy,” the statement adds.