Private sector seeks security, government ready to provide

The private sector has sought security from the government.

Handing a memorandum to the chairman of Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has asked the government to immediately take action against the criminals involved in assaulting FNCCI vice president Pashupati Murarka yesterday, besides those involved in previous attacks on entrepreneurs.

"The security situation has worsened and repeated attacks have discouraged entrepreneurs," said FNCCI president Suraj Vaidya, handing over the memorandum to Regmi.

"The country needs more investment and the current security situation has discouraged investors as they fear for their life and property," he said, adding that law and order is key to boost the morale of entrepreneurs. "In recent days, assaults on industrialists have increased and the government must bring the criminals to book as soon as possible."

Hundreds of industrialists, led by Vaidya, went to Baluwatar today afternoon to hand over the memorandum to Regmi.

Taking serious note of the security concerns of entrepreneurs, Regmi said that he will call a meeting of the business fraternity after consulting his team and security personnel tomorrow. "The government is serious about maintaining law and order," he said, adding that he will also form a committee to look into the matter as he is in favour of providing industrial security.

Yesterday afternoon, Murarka's Land Rover, parked on his office premises at Babarmahal, was vandalised by two miscreants with hammers and bricks, as he was preparing to leave for a meeting. His driver, who was in the vehicle, sustained minor injuries, and the vehicle has been damaged.

Earlier too, president of Nepal Bankers' Association Rajan Singh Bhandari and hotelier and coordinator of Tourism Committee under FNCCI BK Shrestha were attacked by unidentified persons.

 

CNI condemns attack

KATHMANDU: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has condemned the attempted attack on FNCCI vice president Pashupati Murarka. "The attack on his vehicle, while he was preparing to leave for a meeting has terrified the private sector," said president of CNI Narendra Basnyat. "The attacks have made us serious as such assaults on entrepreneurs have been rising," he said, adding that CNI condemns such terrorist acts. "Continued criminal activities on industrialists have threatened the industrial environment that could also hit employment, hurting the economy." CNI has also urged the government to take immediate action against such criminal gangs, whoever they be, to restore the confidence of entrepreneurs.