Prachanda meets Chinese envoy, discusses blockade

Kathmandu: Nepal's Maoist chief Prachanda on Saturday met Chinese ambassador Wu Xunthai and discussed the current political situation in the country including the hardships faced by the people due to blockade of a key border trade point with India.

During the meeting, the Unified CPN-Maoist chairman asked the Chinese ambassador to help the Nepali people who are facing hardships due to shortage of essential goods including fuel and cooking gas ahead of their main festival 'Vijaya Dashami'.

The Chinese ambassador was positive and assured Prachanda of providing necessary help at the request from the Nepalese side, according to an aide of the 60-year-old former premier known for his anti-India stance.

During the meeting, Prachanda's forthcoming visit to China also figured.

He is visiting China next week beginning October 14 to attend the International Conference of Asian Political Parties and is expected to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping and other senior leaders.

Nepal is reeling under severe scarcity of essential goods as agitating Madhes-based parties have blocked all entry points to press for their demands, which includes more representation and rights for the India-origin residents of the plains in the new Constitution.