KATHMANDU, March 8: Main opposition CPN-UML has asked the government to ensure security arrangements in its programs.

During the meeting between top leaders of the major three parties at Prime Minister's official residence Baluwatar, UML leaders urged PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal to provide security in remaining programs of the Mechi-Mahakali National Campaign.

"PM requested UML to postpone the campaign for some time but we denied saying that freedom of expression is fundamental right," said UML Senior Leader Jhalanath Khanal.

Khanal said that UML urged the government to control the criminalization of politics. "We said that the UDMF has been criminalizing the politics. The attempt to murder UML leaders by attacking a program venue with petrol bomb and other weapons proves that the UDMF has been criminalizing politics. We urged government to consider the fact seriously," said Khanal.

Khanal said that UML condemned the government decision to call back chief district officer and Nepal Police officials from Saptari and praised the effort of security forces in taking control of the situation in Saptari.

After four people died in police firing in Saptari and it heated the national politics, PM Dahal invited the top leaders of major three parties on Wednesday afternoon. Four people died when police used power to avoid clash between the cadres of United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and UML cadres attending party's Mechi-Mahakali National Campaign in Saptari on Monday. Following it, Madhes-based parties have launched fresh protest program.

According to PM's secretariat, PM Dahal urged the main opposition to postpone its campaign for some days and to engage in political dialogues. PM Dahal briefed the top leaders about the protest launched by the UDMF following the Saptari incident and political situation after the UDMF handed him a memorandum with seven days ultimatum. 

Briefing the latest political development, PM said that major political parties should have a common understanding regarding the national issues.

 
• uml
 
• security
 
• udmf
 
• pm
 
• dahal
 
• jhalanath khanal