Menu HLPC urges CPN-Maoist-led alliance to withdraw general strike

 Kathmandu, Nov. 9: The High Level Political Committee (HLPC) has called on the CPN-Maoist and the 33-party alliance it is leading to withdraw their planned general strike and the shutdown.

A meeting held in the presence of the third-rung leaders of the political parties affiliated to HLPC today urged the alliance to stop the programmes like the general strike and shutdown said to be enforced to disrupt the Constituent Assembly election and fulfill the country’s responsibility.

The meeting also urged the sides concerned not to go against the country’s need and aspiration, saying the political parties, the general public, the Election Commission and the government were eager for the November 19 election.

Talking to media persons after the meeting, CPN (UML) leader Agni Kharel said that the attention of the meeting was drawn to the protest programmes including the 10-day banda or general shutdown beginning November 11 that the CPN-Maoist and associated alliance has planned.

Kharel said the meeting also urged the 33-party alliance to help conduct the Constituent Assembly election in a peaceful and smooth way, not to disrupt the essential public services as business, employment, education, transport and health and to respect the people’s right to live peacefully.

Calling on the side concerned not to infringe on the fundamental right of the Nepali people to vote, the meeting also warned against causing obstructions in the mass meetings and the peaceful election campaigns that the political parties have been holding in preparation for the election.

Likewise, it urged the political parties contesting in the election for healthy competition in the election, maintaining peaceful environment by desisting from activities likely to lead to scuffle among them.

The meeting requested for the support of the civil society, professional institutions and organizations, the media and the general public in making the election successful.

Kharel said the meeting of the HLPC  was held with the consent of the committee convenor Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar and the leaders of the major parties on the committee.

UCPN (Maoist) leader Pralhad Budhathoki, Nepali Congress leader Chin Kaji Shrestha, UML leader Kharel and Paramananda Mehta on behalf the Madhesi Morcha attended the meeting.