However, the CPN-UML affiliate amused spectators on Tuesday by organizing a public discussion on ways to cope with the fuel blackmarket, with NOC chief Gopal Khadka as one of the key speakers. And it was ANNFSU that had organized a sit-in protest against the NOC chief and other officials just a few weeks ago.ANNFSU's seeking a solution from the very individual it had earlier accused of various wrongdoings amused not only the spectators but also the speakers at the event.
"It is good that a public discussion on such a major issue is being organized by ANNFSU," Jyoti Baniya, president of Forum for Protection of Consumers' Right (FPCR), said in his address at the program, adding, "However, it is beyond comprehension why the organizers have invited to the discussion the same individual against whom it has filed complaints with different charges."
Baniya also said that such behavior by the organizers was either due to their innocence or lack of understanding of the issue. He said that the black market in fuel and other essential items has been prolonged because the government has not taken the issue seriously.
Apart from Baniya, students affiliated with ANNFSU also expressed their dissatisfaction over the inviting of the NOC chief to the discussion.
Nabina Lama, president of ANNFSU, said the NOC chief was invited to the discussion so that the public could get to hear the NOC's take on the fuel blackmarket. "Our invitation to him was intended to bring out the NOC's point of view, nothing more," he added.
On the occasion, Gyaneshwor Aryal, president of Gas Dealers Federation Nepal, accused gas bottlers and NOC of aggravating the LPG crisis. "Bottlers are cheating consumers on the excuse of lowered imports," Aryal said, adding, "The government and NOC have been doing nothing as lawmakers of the present government have a share in a number of LPG firms."
Giopal Khadka, speaking on the occaion, challenged the students to prove his involvement in any blackmarketing in fuel. "The prolonged fuel crisis was the result of low supply from India," he said, adding, "NOC has been maintaining transparency while distributing fuel."
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