Speaking in the capital on Tuesday at an international seminar organized by the Nepal Police on responding to human trafficking, Deputy Prime Minister Gautam said that the undeclared blockade imposed by the southern neighbor for the last 13 days only added to the hardship of general public in Nepal, a country paralyzed by the devastating earthquake some six months ago.In the seminar attended by senior security personnel and delegates from various eight Asian countries and the United Nation bodies, he asked the foreign representatives to inform their governments and international community that Nepal, a land-locked country, has been deprived of its transit rights by India.
"Our country faces a serious crisis due to India-imposed blockade. I request all the senior officials from different countries to observe the situation first hand," Gautam told the international participants. "When you return to your home country, you should inform your governments about the supply crises faced by Nepali people."
He said that India should have welcomed the new constitution that was promulgated through a complete democratic process. "But India expressed its displeasure and went to the extent of imposing a blockade. As a result, we have been facing extreme hardships," said he.
Although he stopped short of making a direct appeal to the international community to help lift the blockade, he sought their help indirectly.
Nepal is currently reeling under an acute shortage of petroleum products because of the blockade. Shops across the country are also running out of other essential goods ahead of the festival season.
Meanwhile, speaking on the theme of the program, Gautam said that the government of Nepal is ready to cooperate with any country to formulate and implement strategies for combating human trafficking.
Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha said maintaining the rule of law is prerequisite for combating human trafficking. "But preventing anyone from becoming the victim of trafficking is the best way to minimize it," added he.
Inspector General of Nepal Police (IGP) Upendra Kanta Aryal said the international seminar was organized to create a forum for sharing intelligence with nations and break up human trafficking network.
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