Kathmandu: Over half a dozen districts of
Nepal in Terai region bordering India came to a stand still
due to strike called by a Madhesi party over the issue of
Supreme Court's verdict against Vice President Parmananda Jha
taking oath in Hindi language.
Transport services were halted and schools, colleges and
factories shut down today in Morang, Sunsari, Siraha,
Mohattari, Dhanusha and Nawalparasi districts to extend
support Jha called by Madhesi People's Rights Forum party.
Meanwhile, more than two dozen people belonging to
Madhesi groups were arrested as they demonstrated in Kathmandu
today to oppose the court's decision. Some of the activists
were also hurt during clashes with the riot police today,
sources said.
Last week Nepal's Supreme Court had ordered 65-year-old
Jha to take fresh oath in Nepali within a week or face
dismissal, and the deadline expires tomorrow.
Jha, who had refused to take fresh oath in Nepali, filed
two petitions against the verdict yesterday, seeking a review.
The Madhesi parties requested him not to resign and also
not to re-take the oath in Nepali.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, August 29, 2009, 21:42