UCPN-Maoist blames India's 'unofficial blockade' for crisis

Kathmandu: Nepal's UCPN-Maoist party Saturday alleged that the "unofficial blockade" imposed by India is creating a humanitarian crisis in the country in the wake of the ongoing political unrest due to the adoption of the new Constitution.

"India has not honoured even normal war-time obligation by obstructing supplies of medicines, fuel and educational material, through its unofficial blockade," said UCPN-Maoist spokesperson Dinanath Sharma adding that it had created a humanitarian crisis in Nepal.

He said, "India is meting out inhuman treatment to Nepal by not allowing movement of vehicles carrying even bags to collect blood".

"The problems of the Madhes, the southern plains of Nepal, is our internal matter and we are capable of resolving it," he pointed out.

He said there was no ground for India to show concern to the problems of the Madhesi people.

"We are in constant touch with the Madhesi leaders and they are positive towards resolving the issue through dialogue," Sharma claimed.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Bhim Rawal said that the Nepal government is moving towards the implementation of the new Constitution and resolving problems created by the blockade.

Rawal called on the agitating parties to withdraw their protests and seek solution through dialogue and negotiations.

"India imposing undeclared blockade on its neighbour following the promulgation of the constitution was against humanity when the entire world has welcomed the move," he said.

The agitating Joint Madhesi Front has decided to participate in the legislative Parliament meeting from tomorrow.

The Madhesi Front had been boycotting the Parliament, disassociating themselves from the Constitution-drafting process to show their objections to the new charter that divides the country into seven provinces.

The front has decided to join Parliament to voice their issues besides continuing their street agitation in the southern Nepal districts.