CNI urges Rawal for stern action

A delegation led by Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) president Binod Chaudhary met Home Minister Bhim Bahadur Rawal here today to highlight the deepening crisis in Birgunj area. The delegation elaborated in detail the rapidly deteriorating law and order situation in Birgunj and surrounding areas.

CNI members pointed out that threats, extortions, kidnappings and other criminal activities were on the rise, making it impossible for industries and businesses to operate in the area. Further, the constant closure of Birgunj customs has been resulting in huge losses to the already burdened business community, and also in losses to the national exchequer. The delegation stressed that the situation had become critical, and immediate action was needed.

Home Minister Rawal assured the delegation that the concerns raised by them were of equal concern to the government. He said several initiatives were already in play to streamline the security situation. And now, with the budget having been passed, these initiatives would very soon show clear results and there would be an immediate improvement, he said.

Minister Rawal, in no unclear terms, clarified that the government would not tolerate any kind of criminal activity, regardless of their political and other affiliations. The ongoing initiatives include a longer overdue reshuffling of the police force and establishment of industrial security body among others. The delegation also told the minister that some sort of visible and immediate action was needed to restore the confidence of the community.

Minister Rawal promised them the same, and is sending a high level police delegation to the area tomorrow. Also, in the next two weeks he has agreed to hold an interaction programme in the area with the local business community to understand its problems in detail.

CNI vice-presidents Birendra Kumar Sanghai, Anuj Agrawal, Rajkumar Agrawal, governing council members Shreedhar Acharya, Vijaya Shah and National Council Member Satish Kumar More were also present in the delegation.