Transporters to defy bandh from tomorrow

The government’s assurance for compensation and security today encouraged  transporters to defy general strike – from tomorrow – called by CPN-Maoist led 33-party alliance that is not only bleeding the economy white but also paralysing the day-to-day life of the citizens.
“The vehicles will ply on the road from tomorrow,” transport entrepreneur said, after entering an agreement with the government that has guaranteed security and compensation. They said they were not daring to defy the bandh because of the confusion over compensation and lack of security.
The government has today doubled the compensation amount to Rs 50,000 from earlier Rs 25,000 for the vehicles’ damage. The meeting under the chair of home minister today also decided to provide security, ensure smooth supply of peroeum products, and compensate the transporters immediately.
“We have entered into an agreement on compensation, insurance and medical facility with the government today,” he said, adding that they are, though, against the bandh, they could not defy the strike due to lack of security and confusion over compensation.
Vice president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Pradeep Jung Pandey, on the occasion, asked the people to vote for the party that promises not to call bandh in future. “Strike will hurt the economy that is already suffering from under production due to regular power outage and labour trouble,” he said, adding that strike is also a violation of rights to economic freedom of people.
According to Tourist Guide Association of Nepal president Hareram Baral some 50 per cent tourists cancelled their bookings due to the strike.
October and November are the tourist reasons but due to fear of escalating the violence before the Constituent Assembly (CA) election, the US, the UK and some other countries have issued the travel advisory.
The CPN-Maoist led 33-party alliance is against holding the CA election by the incumbent interim election government led by chief justice Khil Raj Regmi, whom they have termed ‘unconstitutional.’
Nepal Freight Forwarders Association treasurer Rajendra Sangraula informed that due to bandh some 300 containers have been stranded in Birgunj and the country has not been able to export hurting the country’s export earnings.
Meanwhile, the FNCCI has also called people to take part in a peace rally tomorrow morning to protest against the agitating parties that have called 10-day general strike from November 11 to November 20 to force the government postpone the CA election.