KATHMANDU, June 3: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress (NC), has condemned the government's slow response for the prevention of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic as the cases of this disease are increasing rapidly across the country in recent days. 

The government has been imposing nationwide lockdown for more than 70 days to contain the possible spread of the COVID-19. “During the period, the government has failed to assume its responsibility fully to minimize the threat of the disease,” reads the press statement issued by the NC’s Federal Parliamentary Party’s Office on Wednesday.

The main opposition party also expressed its concern over the government’s inability to address the country’s deteriorating economic condition triggered by the current crisis. Over the lockdown period, almost all the activities of entire sectors including manufacturing, tourism, transport, and academic institutions have come to a complete halt. Besides, businesses such as trading, bank and financial institutions, cooperatives, and hospitals have also been facing difficulties in their smooth operations.  

While almost all the financial transactions have been stopped, the government has been exerting pressure on the private sectors to clear taxes even as lockdown continues to remain in place. “Instead of introducing a special package to give respite to the private businesses, laborers, and farmers, terrorizing them with tax compliance simply shows insensitiveness on the part of the government towards its citizens,” NC said in the press release. 

The NC has termed the government moves a height of an unusual, unnatural, impractical, and irresponsible measure. While warning the government to immediately correct its unjust move and stop causing additional suffering to people, the party also asked the government to provide an assurance of safety to the ordinary public.   

 
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