Presenting a joint memorandum to Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on Tuesday, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) said ongoing blockade by India at different custom points had hit Nepal's industrial sector hand and many industries were on the verge of closure."The blockade has dealt a serious blow on industries and business firms which were already suffering from the devastation caused by the April earthquake. Unrest in Tarai districts for almost two months and unofficial Indian blockade have resulted to acute shortage of petroleum products in Nepal," the memorandum sates. "If these issues are not addressed soon, it will create a dangerous situation for Nepali economy."
The private sector organizations have held both the government and agitating groups/parties responsible for the impasse. "Had both the parties respected the voice and suggestions of private sector, the situation would not have arose," the memorandum states.
The private sector also criticized the government for not doing the needful to normalize the situation by holding talks with dissenting groups. "Though the government has formed a team to hold talks with the agitating parties, we have felt that the team is yet to start discussion on demands placed by the agitating parties," the private sector organizations sad in the memorandum.
Meanwhile, private sector urged Prime Minister Sushil Koirala to take necessary initiative and resolve the issue as soon as possible. "The private sector will support meaningful and logical steps taken by the Prime Minister and the government to resolve the issue," reads the memorandum.
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