Urging all not to get provoked by minister Bhandari´s inflammatory remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha, emerging from the cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar, said, “The government is fully committed to national unity, integrity and sovereignty.”[break]
Bhandari, during a function in the capital on Monday, had said that nothing could prevent the 22 districts of the Tarai from seceding if the state continued to be indifferent to their concerns.
Minister Bhandari also furnished clarification over his controversial statements at the meeting and claimed that his remarks were distorted by the media. “I am always committed to national unity, integrity and sovereignty,” Shrestha quoted Bhandari as saying.
Issuing a press statement, Bhandari on Wednesday had said that he would not even think of disintegrating the country and weaken the Nepal Army.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar at a press meet in the capital said, “We are very saddened if his (Bhandari´s) remarks have hurt anyone´s sentiments.”
Gachchhadar, who is also the chairman of Madhesi People´s Rights Forum- Democratic (MPRF-D), said that his party has always stood for national integrity, inclusive democracy and an autonomous Madhes state.
Asked if his party would recall Bhandari from the government, Gachchhadar said, “Everyone commits small mistakes. I hope people will forgive him.”
Meanwhile, the government also decided to provide a relief of Rs 300,000 each to the families of those killed during political movements and disappeared during the Maoist insurgency.
Related story
I quit govt to protect national integrity: Oli
