What else can Prachanda say?
When the US Amabasssor asked for proof the other day about the so-called royalist plot to kill Americans, Prachanda's lies became
clear.
When the Madeshi Andolan came about, Prachanda blamed royalists.
And now this too . . . blamed on Royalists . . .
Wah, wah!
****************
Business community strike affects life across nation; Prachanda alleges royalist "involvement"
Kantipur Report
KATHMANDU, March 20 - Industries, factories, import-export, education institutions, transport, and businesses remained closed in the capital and all over the country on Tuesday, which marks the second day of the indefinite closure called by the Nepalese business community against the Maoist excesses and lack of security.
More than 70 organisations including the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) halted all their operations in support of the strike.
The agitating business community had decided to continue with its indefinite strike and demanded the government address its problems at the earliest today.
The Nepali business community has also accused the government of sidelining their problems and not paying heed to their demands.
Earlier today, irate business entrepreneurs gathered at the capital's Basantapur had warned that they would go on an indefinite strike unless they received a commitment from the eight parties regarding their demands.
Expressing solidarity with the ongoing agitation, entrepreneurs and businesspersons said that they were forced to take up a "tough stand" in order to have their grievances addressed.
Addressing the gathering, representatives of the Entrepreneurs and Professional's Association said that the government must maintain peace and security at industrial zones to ensure their unhindered operation.
Chairman of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) Chandi Raj Dhakal, Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) Chairman Binod Chaudhary, Surendra Bir Malakar, Prakash Shrestha, Umesh Shrestha, Shambhu Thapa, Dr Sudha Sharma and Yogendra Shakya, among others addressed the gathering.
Speakers today warned that they would not hesitate to take actions, however strong, to ensure security for businesses.
CNI and FNCCI chairmen Chaudhary and Dhakal along with other entrepreneurs yesterday had gone to visit Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. Nonetheless, PM Koirala refused to meet them which triggered the call for an indefinite strike from today by the businessmen.
Businessmen also accused the government of failing to move ahead as per the people's aspirations.
The gathering of businesspersons converted to a city rally attended by thousands from various trade unions.
The rally passed through major thoroughfares including Bhotahati, Ratnapark and concluded at Maitighar.
The strike today affected life in capital. Most of the shops in marketplaces remained shut down while a visibly small number of public vehicles could be seen plying the streets.
The protesters had obstructed the roads in major areas like Tinkune, Koteshwore, Baneshwore, Maitidevi, Thapathali, and Pulchowk by burning tyres on the streets.
However, Biratnagar, one of the major industrial cities, remained unaffected by the strike with the marketplaces, educational institutions and transportation services remaining open today.
The industries in Sunsari-Morang corridor, which was heavily affected by the two months long Terai movement, continued their normal operations today.
According to Morang Business Association, no industry or business has been shut down as no formal notice of the strike has been forthcoming from the capital.
Local entrepreneurs in Biratnagar refused to shut down their operations since the local businesses have just resumed operations after a two month long Terai movement, during which, they say, they "received no support" from the businesses in the capital.
Meanwhile, in Birgunj, although the local entrepreneurs have expressed their solidarity towards the strike, they have decided to hold a meeting with everyone concerned to make an official decision.
Along with Birgunj markets, Bara-Parsa business corridor has also continued operations.
In Siraha, although the entrepreneurs said that the agitation in the capital have their moral support, they said that they would not, however, shut down their operations.
Bardiya was also affected by the indefinite FNCCI strike.
According to the local chairman of the FNCCI Rajendra Kandel, life in headquarters Gularia, Bhurigaun, Sanoshree and Baansgadhi was crippled by the complete shut down.
The educational institutions and the transportation services continued normal operations, the police said.
In Mahottari, the factories and industries are closed. Various entrepreneurs forcefully closed down shops in the marketplaces to render the strike successful.
The places in and around the Butwal industrial centre were greatly affected by the strike with all industries, businesses, factories and transportation services close.
A meeting of the entrepreneurs this morning had decided to shut down the factories and businesses under the initiation of FNCCI Butwal.
Similarly, Rautahat too remained affected by the strike with marketplaces like headquarters Gaur completely shut.
Likewise, vehicular movement has been minimal in the Mahendra Highway.
Districts like Udaypur, Bara, Khotang and Dolakha were also effected by the banda.
Meanwhile, Maoist Chairman Prachanda today alleged "royalist" involvement in today's protests by business entrepreneurs protesting against Maoist excesses and extortion.
Talking to media persons in Dhangadhi today, Prachanda said that the beating up of a businessman by Maoist cadres had been blown out of proportions, alleging royalists of being involved in the current protest of the businessmen and entrepreneurs.
Slamming hoteliers as "feudalistic and disgraceful", he said that beating up anyone was "against his party’s policies" adding that his party cadres had already apologized for the act.
He also assured that actions had already been taken against the two cadres involved in the incident.