There is no doubt that Nepali Congress still holds the ideals of liberal democracy and we always oppose the violence. We held two rounds of talks with prime minister and home minister regarding the incident. Our party even proposed about the incident in the meetings of four political parties. However, nobody  listened to us.  Sometimes, one has to take very bitter decisions in politics. This time also political circumstances compelled us to take a very unpopular and harsh decision. It is the compulsion of Nepali Congress to call the general strike. When a party worker was attacked inside the prison and the government does not take any legal actions, a party cannot remain silent. It is not only the question of death of our party worker but it is also the question of deteriorating law and order situation. Our party has called for a general strike as a protest against the death of Tarun Dal, chairman of Chitwan district, Shiva Poudel.


When the government turned deaf ears to our sober request to take action against the culprits involved in the incident and our frequent request to fulfill our four-point demands, Nepali Congress central working committee had no option other than to take the issue in the street. As a nature of our party, we have taken utmost possible restraints and made our strike peaceful. Our party considers bandh as a satyagraha, as our leaders have paid all their attention to make the general strike peaceful. We are very much concerned that our general strike should not create any panic and terror in the mass. This is the reason we focused our attention to make it peaceful. Our effort helped to make the general strike peaceful.


Nepali Congress also wants to give the message that its commitment towards liberalism and peaceful politics is not its weakness. The party can also show the strength in the street if it is required in politics. This is a lesson for all. Our strike is just for one day and now we will put pressure on the government to fulfill its promises, issued through the press release.


As a main opposition party, Nepali Congress has to play a very crucial role in the present transition. To raise the issue related to security and safety of the citizens is the main duty of the party. We have fulfilled our responsibility as an opposition party. Nepali Congress has shown that its strength is not only in the parliament but it is in the street also.


Nepali Congress knows that our decision hurts our Nepali friends as well as well as well wisher diplomats. I would like to request all our friends and well wishers to understand our political compulsions. I would like to remind all that we are able to make our strike peaceful with minimum damage.


As a main opposition party, Nepali Congress got sympathy to its demands, and a large number of people spontaneously supported. Our demand is simple and easy to address as we have made it clear that the government should provide security to the common people. In a situation when an inmate is unsafe in the country how can a commoner walking in the street be secure?


KC is NC Central Commitee Member as told to New Spotlight