Prime Minister Oli calls all-party meet as anti-govt protests intensify in Nepal
Kathmandu (PTI): Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Tuesday called an all-party meeting to discuss Nepal's fast-deteriorating political situation amid intensifying student-led anti-government protests that have spread across the country.
Oli issued a statement announcing the meeting for 6:00 pm, though the venue was not specified.
He said dialogue was the way to resolve the crisis.
“Violence is not the way. We need to find a peaceful way out through dialogue,” Oli said.
The protests have escalated despite curfew orders in Kathmandu and other parts of the country.
Demonstrators are demanding Oli's resignation, saying the Home Minister's exit is not sufficient.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on Monday after police's use of force on violent protests by youths against a government ban on social media sites left 19 people dead and over 300 others injured.
“Home Minister's resignation is not enough, the Prime Minister should take the responsibility and resign,” a protester said.
Meanwhile, major online news portals have strongly criticised Monday’s police crackdown in Kathmandu, describing it as one of the deadliest days in Nepal’s recent history.
Popular news portal Ukeraa.com described September 8 as “a black day” when “the most number of demonstrators were killed in a single day in the history of Nepal”.
The media outlet demanded Oli's resignation.
Another news portal, Ratopati, accused the government of indiscriminately opening fire on protesting youths and students, describing the "cowardly action" as “highly deplorable”.
The portal noted that the agitation, spearheaded by young Nepalis, was not politically motivated but fuelled by frustration over corruption, nepotism, unemployment and growing social disorder.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Congress targets Maharashtra govt over acid attack on minor girl
Mumbai, Mar 18 (PTI): An alleged acid attack on a Class 6 girl student in Sangamner prompted the Congress to slam the Maharashtra government in the legislative assembly on Wednesday, alleging deterioration in law and order in the state.
Calling the alleged incident in Ahilyanagar district “extremely disturbing”, Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused the government of failing to curb crimes against women and minor girls.
Raising the issue through an adjournment motion, Wadettiwar demanded an immediate discussion, claiming that the minor is in a serious condition and the accused are yet to be arrested.
He questioned how the accused managed to flee after committing such a serious offence. The Congress leader also criticised the functioning of the local police, alleging inefficiency and corruption, and said such lapses embolden criminals.
ALSO READ: Elder brother allegedly kills sibling over marriage dispute in Gadag
Wadettiwar further claimed that incidents of atrocities against minor girls have increased in the state, and the government has failed to take effective action.
Speaker Rahul Narwekar took note of the issue and directed the government to present a detailed statement in the house on the incident at the earliest.
Congress member Nana Patole demanded that the girl be brought to Mumbai and given better medical care for free.
He said the girl has suffered serious facial injuries that could affect her future. The incident reflects poorly on the administration, he said.
Failure to apprehend the culprit has heightened anxiety among citizens and the victim’s family, he added.
