Maoist faction not to stop Indian vehicles from entering Nepal

The CPN-Maoist withdrew its decision to prevent Indian vehicles from entering Nepal.

Kathmandu: The CPN-Maoist, a breakaway faction of the ruling Maoists, Sunday withdrew its decision to prevent Indian vehicles from entering Nepal, after New Delhi, Nepalese political parties and businesses mounted pressure on it to withdraw the controversial move.

On Wednesday, CPN-Maoist had issued a warning against operation of vehicles bearing Indian number plates and screening of Hindi films in 10 districts, saying that anybody defying its ban would face consequences. "We have decided to allow movement of (Indian) tankers carrying cooking gas, petroleum products and other essential commodities," said Pampha Bhushal, spokesperson of the party. The party, however, did not lift its opposition to the screening of "obscene and defaming Indian films" in Nepal. CPN-Maoist has been prohibiting Indian vehicles as per their 70-point demands submitted to the government two weeks ago. In New York, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna raised the issue with Nepal`s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA session. Shrestha told Krishna that such anti-India activities are not permissible in Nepal and they were the work of "fringe elements." Shrestha said the government does not support such bans and has given instructions to take strict action against those who resort to such measures, official sources said. Nepal`s ruling parties, including the Joint Madhesi Front and the UCPN-Maoist, yesterday condemned the anti-India move. While the main opposition Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have also distanced themselves from the agitation programme. Similarly, the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries has asked the breakaway faction to withdraw their agitation programme as it would also adversely affect business activities between the two countries. PTI