KATHMANDU, Oct 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the government decided to observe a public holiday for Chinese and Indian presidents’ Nepal visits as per the suggestion of the political leaders and security agencies.
Prime Minister Dahal has defended the Cabinet’s decision after the general public lashed out at the move saying that it has undermined the national integrity and independence.
A meeting of the Cabinet held on Thursday had decided to observe a public holiday during the Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s state visit to Nepal.
Leaders, security agencies consulted on public holiday: PM
There has been a flurry of criticism against this decision on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.
Stating that India does not observe a public holiday when Nepali leaders visit the southern neighbor, many have pointed out that the government's decision is against the policy of reciprocity.
Indian President Mukherjee is arriving in Nepal on a three-day state visit. He will arrive on November 2.