Thousands of people have joined the funeral procession of Uma Singh, the Nepali journalist murdered in the southern city of Janakpur on Sunday.
It is still not clear who killed the reporter, who was in her mid-20s.
She had spoken about the difficulties of working in south-east Nepal, where armed groups have recently mushroomed.
Ms Singh, who was cremated by her young nephew, worked in Janakpur but other towns and villages of the south-eastern plains joined the mourning.
'Failed to help'
Local radio stations have been playing solemn music, broken only by tributes to Ms Singh and her work.
Shops, schools and transport closed down on Tuesday.
Ms Singh was killed by a gang of about 15 men who attacked her at her home with sharp weapons.
Reports say her neighbours heard her cries but failed to help and that one quoted the killers as saying: "This is for writing so much".
This is not the family's first tragedy. Three years ago Uma Singh's father and brother disappeared and have never been found.
Friends say her mother and relatives blame the Maoist party for the disappearances - but it denies involvement.
In an interview last year, Ms Singh spoke of the difficulties of working as a journalist in the region.
She said reporters were always expected to "dance to the tune" of the mushrooming collection of armed groups and parties there - and that armed factions would issue death threats if news relating to them was not given priority.
She also broadcast and wrote against gender and caste discrimination.
Southern Nepal and indeed much of the country are still plagued by a state of lawlessness and impunity, five months after the Maoists started leading the government and two years after they formally ended their war.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Nepal palace becomes a museum
Four days after the former king of Nepal moved out of his palace forever, the government of Nepal has held its first public function in the building and has declared it a museum.
Senior members of the Maoist former rebel party were present, thereby openly setting foot in the palace building for the first time.
The authorities have wasted no time in moving to transform the huge former royal palace.
They have even placed a board at the building reading "Narayanhiti Palace Museum".
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala raised the national flag at a function in the palace grounds and said the building, like the flag, belonged to the people.
Officials say it will take several months for the museum to be ready.
They add that one of its main attractions will be a 1939 Mercedes Benz given to former King Gyanendra's grandfather, King Tribhuvan, by Adolf Hitler.
Like other cars at the time, it had to be carried to Kathmandu because rural Nepal had no roads.
It is now rusting and derelict.
Also likely to be on display are the priceless crown and sceptre which Gyanendra handed to the government on Wednesday, and his throne.
Heavy price
Several commentators have praised the ex-king's exit as dignified.
Footage from the ceremony
He is now living in a lodge in a nearby forest, but his ageing stepmother and step-grandmother have stayed on in their bungalows within the palace grounds.
The museum ceremony was a brief respite from a bitter row between the biggest parties over who should hold the new top posts.
Mr Koirala, who is 84, has failed to vacate the prime ministerial post despite having said he would retire from politics after last April's election.
The leader of the Maoists, who came a clear first in the poll, was quoted as saying on Sunday that anyone going against the people's mandate would have to "pay a heavy price".
Meanwhile the smaller parties in the huge new elected assembly, which is supposed to be writing a new constitution, accuse the bigger ones of insulting them and ignoring them.
Senior members of the Maoist former rebel party were present, thereby openly setting foot in the palace building for the first time.
The authorities have wasted no time in moving to transform the huge former royal palace.
They have even placed a board at the building reading "Narayanhiti Palace Museum".
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala raised the national flag at a function in the palace grounds and said the building, like the flag, belonged to the people.
Officials say it will take several months for the museum to be ready.
They add that one of its main attractions will be a 1939 Mercedes Benz given to former King Gyanendra's grandfather, King Tribhuvan, by Adolf Hitler.
Like other cars at the time, it had to be carried to Kathmandu because rural Nepal had no roads.
It is now rusting and derelict.
Also likely to be on display are the priceless crown and sceptre which Gyanendra handed to the government on Wednesday, and his throne.
Heavy price
Several commentators have praised the ex-king's exit as dignified.
Footage from the ceremony
He is now living in a lodge in a nearby forest, but his ageing stepmother and step-grandmother have stayed on in their bungalows within the palace grounds.
The museum ceremony was a brief respite from a bitter row between the biggest parties over who should hold the new top posts.
Mr Koirala, who is 84, has failed to vacate the prime ministerial post despite having said he would retire from politics after last April's election.
The leader of the Maoists, who came a clear first in the poll, was quoted as saying on Sunday that anyone going against the people's mandate would have to "pay a heavy price".
Meanwhile the smaller parties in the huge new elected assembly, which is supposed to be writing a new constitution, accuse the bigger ones of insulting them and ignoring them.
Travel Warning U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the potential risks of traveling to Nepal and urges caution when traveling in that country. The Department of State remains concerned about the security situation in Nepal. U.S. citizens are urged to obtain updated security information before traveling and they should be prepared to change their plans on short notice. This replaces the Travel Warning for Nepal dated November 19, 2009, to update information on the security and political situation, and to advise travelers about the continuing possibility of political demonstrations and unrest.
Political violence has occurred sporadically throughout Nepal in the past and may escalate due to recent political tensions. Protests, demonstrations, and disruptions continue to occur, often without advance notice. In a recent indefinite strike imposed by the Unified CPN-Maoist Party on May 3-7, 2010, business and transportation were brought to a standstill. During this strike, large demonstrations were held and incidents of localized violence occurred. During past demonstrations, some protestors forcibly closed businesses, damaged vehicles, threw rocks, and burned tires to block traffic. Given the nature, intensity and unpredictability of past disturbances, you are urged to exercise special caution during announced demonstrations, avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming, avoid road travel, and maintain a low profile. Curfews can be announced with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens are urged to consult media sources and register with the Embassy (see instructions below) for current security information. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu continues to monitor the political situation in Nepal closely, and advises U.S. citizens that the potential remains for spontaneous demonstrations and political unrest, which could escalate into violence. You should stay current on media coverage of local events and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Crime in the Kathmandu Valley and in the major cities of Nepal continues and includes violent crimes, robberies by armed gangs, and harassment of female travelers. Police resources to combat such crimes are limited. Theft and muggings occasionally occur in popular tourist and trekking areas such as Chitwan, Pokhara, the Annapurna region and the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Trekkers have been robbed by small groups of young men, even on popular trails.
Visitors to Nepal should practice good personal security when moving about and avoid walking alone after dark, carrying large sums of cash, or wearing expensive jewelry. Women are advised to pay attention to local customs and dress appropriately in public. In several reported incidents, tourists have had their belongings stolen from their rooms while they slept. There has been an increase in the number of fraudulent schemes perpetrated against tourists. These schemes involve requesting the traveler's assistance, particularly financial assistance, in establishing shipping routes, or business contacts with the United States or other countries, involving jewelry, antiquities, or carpets, promising huge returns.
The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu strongly recommends that you do not hike alone or become separated from larger traveling parties while on a trail. Solo trekking is dangerous, has contributed to injuries and deaths, and makes an individual more vulnerable to criminals. Foreign trekkers have gone missing while trekking alone. The safest option for trekkers is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable trekking company that provides an experienced guide and porters who communicate in both Nepali and English. Destruction of telephone services in many trekking areas has complicated efforts to locate U.S. citizens and make arrangements for medical evacuations when needed. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for the latest security information and to register their itinerary before undertaking treks outside the Kathmandu Valley (see Registration/Embassy Location section below). Trekkers also are advised to leave their itinerary with family or friends in the United States and to check in at police checkpoints where trekking permits are logged.
Travel via road in areas outside the Kathmandu Valley is hazardous due to erratic drivers, poor road conditions, and frequent road accidents. Public transportation, such as microbuses and tuk tuks, should be avoided because they are often overfilled, driven unsafely, and mechanically unsound. You should use taxis with meters or negotiate a price with the taxi driver before starting a trip. However, there have also been instances of taxi drivers tampering with the meters in order to charge higher fares.
Most U.S. official travel outside the Kathmandu Valley, including by air, requires specific clearance by the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security Officer. Active duty U.S. military and Department of Defense contractors must obtain U.S. Embassy clearance in advance for official and personal travel to Nepal.
The U.S. Government's designation of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" organization under Executive Order 13224, and its inclusion on the "Terrorist Exclusion List" pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, remain in effect. These two designations make Maoists excludable from entry into the United States without a waiver and bar U.S. citizens from contributing funds, goods, or services to, or for the benefit of, the Maoists.
U.S. citizens who choose to visit or remain in Nepal despite this Travel Warning are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Nepal. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy during the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, when the American Citizens Services section is open to the public. Registering makes it easier for the Embassy to contact U.S. citizens in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Maharajgunj.
Political violence has occurred sporadically throughout Nepal in the past and may escalate due to recent political tensions. Protests, demonstrations, and disruptions continue to occur, often without advance notice. In a recent indefinite strike imposed by the Unified CPN-Maoist Party on May 3-7, 2010, business and transportation were brought to a standstill. During this strike, large demonstrations were held and incidents of localized violence occurred. During past demonstrations, some protestors forcibly closed businesses, damaged vehicles, threw rocks, and burned tires to block traffic. Given the nature, intensity and unpredictability of past disturbances, you are urged to exercise special caution during announced demonstrations, avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring or crowds are forming, avoid road travel, and maintain a low profile. Curfews can be announced with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens are urged to consult media sources and register with the Embassy (see instructions below) for current security information. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu continues to monitor the political situation in Nepal closely, and advises U.S. citizens that the potential remains for spontaneous demonstrations and political unrest, which could escalate into violence. You should stay current on media coverage of local events and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Crime in the Kathmandu Valley and in the major cities of Nepal continues and includes violent crimes, robberies by armed gangs, and harassment of female travelers. Police resources to combat such crimes are limited. Theft and muggings occasionally occur in popular tourist and trekking areas such as Chitwan, Pokhara, the Annapurna region and the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Trekkers have been robbed by small groups of young men, even on popular trails.
Visitors to Nepal should practice good personal security when moving about and avoid walking alone after dark, carrying large sums of cash, or wearing expensive jewelry. Women are advised to pay attention to local customs and dress appropriately in public. In several reported incidents, tourists have had their belongings stolen from their rooms while they slept. There has been an increase in the number of fraudulent schemes perpetrated against tourists. These schemes involve requesting the traveler's assistance, particularly financial assistance, in establishing shipping routes, or business contacts with the United States or other countries, involving jewelry, antiquities, or carpets, promising huge returns.
The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu strongly recommends that you do not hike alone or become separated from larger traveling parties while on a trail. Solo trekking is dangerous, has contributed to injuries and deaths, and makes an individual more vulnerable to criminals. Foreign trekkers have gone missing while trekking alone. The safest option for trekkers is to join an organized group and/or use a reputable trekking company that provides an experienced guide and porters who communicate in both Nepali and English. Destruction of telephone services in many trekking areas has complicated efforts to locate U.S. citizens and make arrangements for medical evacuations when needed. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for the latest security information and to register their itinerary before undertaking treks outside the Kathmandu Valley (see Registration/Embassy Location section below). Trekkers also are advised to leave their itinerary with family or friends in the United States and to check in at police checkpoints where trekking permits are logged.
Travel via road in areas outside the Kathmandu Valley is hazardous due to erratic drivers, poor road conditions, and frequent road accidents. Public transportation, such as microbuses and tuk tuks, should be avoided because they are often overfilled, driven unsafely, and mechanically unsound. You should use taxis with meters or negotiate a price with the taxi driver before starting a trip. However, there have also been instances of taxi drivers tampering with the meters in order to charge higher fares.
Most U.S. official travel outside the Kathmandu Valley, including by air, requires specific clearance by the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security Officer. Active duty U.S. military and Department of Defense contractors must obtain U.S. Embassy clearance in advance for official and personal travel to Nepal.
The U.S. Government's designation of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" organization under Executive Order 13224, and its inclusion on the "Terrorist Exclusion List" pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, remain in effect. These two designations make Maoists excludable from entry into the United States without a waiver and bar U.S. citizens from contributing funds, goods, or services to, or for the benefit of, the Maoists.
U.S. citizens who choose to visit or remain in Nepal despite this Travel Warning are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Nepal. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy during the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, when the American Citizens Services section is open to the public. Registering makes it easier for the Embassy to contact U.S. citizens in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Maharajgunj.
introduction
In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. An insurgency led by Maoist extremists broke out in 1996. The ensuing ten-year civil war between insurgents and government forces witnessed the dissolution of the cabinet and parliament and assumption of absolute power by the king. Several weeks of mass protests in April 2006 were followed by several months of peace negotiations between the Maoists and government officials, and culminated in a November 2006 peace accord and the promulgation of an interim constitution. Following a nation-wide election in April 2008, the newly formed Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a federal democratic republic and abolished the monarchy at its first meeting the following month. The Constituent Assembly elected the country's first president in July. The Maoists, who received a plurality of votes in the Constituent Assembly election, formed a coalition government in August 2008, but resigned in May 2009 after the president overruled a decision to fire the chief of the army staff.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Education for Freedom – Tenth update
EFP in progress
In the last update, the general situation in Bardiya was described as critical according to the Maoists interruption of BASE Bardiya’s activities. The Maoists has from time to time restricted BASE Bardiya to enter in the field. In March, the Maoists had called for a nationwide bandh affecting all transportation and the schools. Schools were closed during many weeks especially the private schools. In Bardiya, it is said that schools in average have been closed 3 months in a whole school year, caused by bandhs and blockades. Now again the Maoists has called for an educational strike affecting the schools but only in the Headquarter of Gulariya. In the villages the schools are open.
The situation is still critical, and during the last 3 weeks the Maoists have intensified their presence in Bardiya, mainly in the bigger villages surrounding Gulariya. Typically they are around 400 armed Maoists checking people when coming and going to Gulariya. BASE Bardiya is also from time to time been denying to entering in the field carrying out observation and monitoring. However, BASE Bardiya is still managing and running the EFP with a stronger presence in the field than previous months. The EFP is being implemented with some disturbance. But construction of new classrooms is taken place, teacher training are provided and BASE Bardiya organises and join in many meetings with teachers, facilitators and SMC’s. BASE Bardiya had the last 2 months been quite present in the different VDC’s, and in the last 3 weeks almost daily.
In the last update, the general situation in Bardiya was described as critical according to the Maoists interruption of BASE Bardiya’s activities. The Maoists has from time to time restricted BASE Bardiya to enter in the field. In March, the Maoists had called for a nationwide bandh affecting all transportation and the schools. Schools were closed during many weeks especially the private schools. In Bardiya, it is said that schools in average have been closed 3 months in a whole school year, caused by bandhs and blockades. Now again the Maoists has called for an educational strike affecting the schools but only in the Headquarter of Gulariya. In the villages the schools are open.
The situation is still critical, and during the last 3 weeks the Maoists have intensified their presence in Bardiya, mainly in the bigger villages surrounding Gulariya. Typically they are around 400 armed Maoists checking people when coming and going to Gulariya. BASE Bardiya is also from time to time been denying to entering in the field carrying out observation and monitoring. However, BASE Bardiya is still managing and running the EFP with a stronger presence in the field than previous months. The EFP is being implemented with some disturbance. But construction of new classrooms is taken place, teacher training are provided and BASE Bardiya organises and join in many meetings with teachers, facilitators and SMC’s. BASE Bardiya had the last 2 months been quite present in the different VDC’s, and in the last 3 weeks almost daily.
Women’s development on demand
The VDCs of Palpa district, however, have expressed that the proposals from women often lack something in both quantity and quality. When Women Welfare Association decided to act on this problem in its 12 working VDCs, it coincided with a new initiative of the Palpa District Development Committee: In Srawan 2065 (July/August 2008) the DDC decided to include women more actively in the field of women development through a new kind of network, called "Women’s empowerment Coordination Committee".
The newly formed network is envisioned to cover all wards in the 65 VDCs of Palpa, through VDC sub-networks and it seems that the DDC is positive about working together with local NGOs in order to make this network able to serve the needs of women and also with the ambition of being a tool for participatory monitoring of work done by the VDC.
Active participation of WWA women representatives
The Chairperson of Women Welfare Association, Kashika Gaire, who is a member of the network of Madanpokhara VDC Palpa, is positive: "Through this type of network, women from all levels can get access to the decision-making process. The budgets allocated for empowerment and development of women should not be spent in other sectors, but exactly for empowerment, capacity development and leadership development for and by women," she says.
WWA has so far played a role in the process by advocating and directly supporting the actual formation of the networks, most actively so in the 12 working VDCs of WWA. So far, VDC women networks have been formed in 48 out of 65 VDCs, and the reports from the many experienced women groups, covered by the WWA partnership with MS Nepal, have been enthusiastic. The local government bodies are also positive and would like to draw on the capacity of WWA for activities such as proposal writing, leadership development and advocacy and awareness building on gender, in order to teach women even in the more remote wards that they have to demand development in their area.
Jamuna Jargha, a member of Sayari Women Welfare Group, Palpa, says, "I thought after joining the Women Welfare Association, that it would be helpful to support women with the women network. I have received the opportunity now. Through the network, we need to move forward to raise women's rights, awareness, and capacity building." Teacher Sabitra Adhikari feels a bit more cautious: "I hope that through this network, new programs will flourish and the women get opportunity to present their views and participate in the decision making, at least at the VDC level," she says.
Nepal becomes land of the blackout
It's a Friday evening in the home of Chandra Bahadur Thapa, his wife and their three grown-up and teenage children.
As in many Nepalese homes there is a small Hindu shrine in the corner. There's also a picture of David Beckham, a panorama of the Annapurna mountains and some mathematical tables pinned on the wall.
In their cramped accommodation - just two rooms - television is good entertainment, and four of them huddle on the bed to watch.
Then, punctually at 2000 local time, the lights and the TV go out. There are groans and laughter. Fumbling for matches and candles follows - now a regular routine given the new, swingeing power cuts.
Low water
The Thapas, like everyone else, are this winter having to cope with severe and unprecedented electricity cuts of 14 or 16 hours a day, up from just six hours last year. It is the first winter under the new government led by the Maoist former rebels
Although only 40% of this rugged country's population is connected to the electricity grid, in urban areas people are used to having power on tap and much of life revolves around using it.
Eighteen-year-old Tika and Suraj, 16, bring out their homework, which they tackle on a mattress on the floor. Tika says working by flickering candlelight is hard on the eyes.
"I am a computer student," she says. "I don't have a computer at my home so I have to work in college, but due to load-shedding [power theft] I couldn't do my practical. Last week was my exam, I had to study but I couldn't do well."
Dinner is cooked on a gas stove and eaten by candlelight.
There are many reasons for power scarcity in Nepal. One is starkly evident at a peaceful spot in the hills south of Kathmandu - Kulekhani.
Here lies Nepal's only hydroelectric reservoir, fed by more than 30 rivers and streams. The crispy fish served in a local cafe is delicious. But after insufficient rain in 2008 the water is very low, the earlier dry-season level looking like a kind of scar around the perimeter.
An hour's drive onwards is the linked power station, where schoolchildren are being given a tour of the works. But all is not well. One of the two turbines is out of order - its poor state the result of long-term neglect, I was told.
nepal
Until Nepal became a republic in May 2008, it had been ruled by monarchs or a ruling family for most of its modern history in relative isolation.
A brief experiment with multi-party politics in 1959 ended with King Mahendra suspending parliament and taking sole charge in 1962.
Democratic politics was introduced in 1991 after popular protests, but was marked by frequent changes of government. The last king of Nepal, Gyanendra, twice assumed executive powers - in 2002 and 2005.
Maoist rebels waged a decade-long campaign against the monarchy, leaving more than 12,000 people dead and 100,000 people displaced according to UN figures.
When King Gyanendra's direct rule ended under public pressure in April 2006, the rebels entered talks with the parliamentary government on how to end the civil war.
A peace deal was agreed in November, although the Maoists continued to press for abolition of the monarchy.
Parliament agreed to the condition in December 2007, and the Maoists emerged as the largest parliamentary party after elections in April 2008.
The monarchy was abolished a month later, and a Maoist-dominated government took office in August.
The Maoist-led coalition government disintegrated in May 2009, and was succeeded by another coalition excluding the Maoists.
Nepal has been at odds with neighbouring Bhutan over the repatriation of thousands of Bhutanese refugees of Nepalese descent who fled violence in Bhutan in the early 1990s.
Nepal has a flourishing tourism industry, but faces problems of deforestation and encroachment on animal habitats.
Most of the population depend on agriculture, and the UN estimates that about 40% of Nepalis live in poverty.
Foreign aid is vital to the economy, and Nepal is also heavily dependent on trade with neighbouring India.
A brief experiment with multi-party politics in 1959 ended with King Mahendra suspending parliament and taking sole charge in 1962.
Democratic politics was introduced in 1991 after popular protests, but was marked by frequent changes of government. The last king of Nepal, Gyanendra, twice assumed executive powers - in 2002 and 2005.
Maoist rebels waged a decade-long campaign against the monarchy, leaving more than 12,000 people dead and 100,000 people displaced according to UN figures.
When King Gyanendra's direct rule ended under public pressure in April 2006, the rebels entered talks with the parliamentary government on how to end the civil war.
A peace deal was agreed in November, although the Maoists continued to press for abolition of the monarchy.
Parliament agreed to the condition in December 2007, and the Maoists emerged as the largest parliamentary party after elections in April 2008.
The monarchy was abolished a month later, and a Maoist-dominated government took office in August.
The Maoist-led coalition government disintegrated in May 2009, and was succeeded by another coalition excluding the Maoists.
Nepal has been at odds with neighbouring Bhutan over the repatriation of thousands of Bhutanese refugees of Nepalese descent who fled violence in Bhutan in the early 1990s.
Nepal has a flourishing tourism industry, but faces problems of deforestation and encroachment on animal habitats.
Most of the population depend on agriculture, and the UN estimates that about 40% of Nepalis live in poverty.
Foreign aid is vital to the economy, and Nepal is also heavily dependent on trade with neighbouring India.
Lake City's crusade for rights
POKHARA: The Lake City has woken up to the adverse impact of expired, adulterated and inedible food stuffs on public health.
As part of the campaign aimed at stopping the production and sale of such stuffs, a District Monitoring Committee team comprising Nepal Police officials, quality controllers and representatives of the Consumers’ Forum Kaski raided a number of shops, businesses and industries, seizing and destroying date expired and adulterated edibles on Wednesday.
During the raid at the Ganeshtole-based Valley Foods, the team led by Acting Kaski Chief District Officer Devraj Dhakal unearthed some secrets.
It found that Valley Foods belonging to Loknath Bhandari had been mixing inedible colours with chemicals to produce ‘juicy’, a product meant for children. Subsequently, it destroyed 10 sacks of juicy.
On top of it, the team found that Valley Foods had been running the establishment without getting permission from government authorities concerned.
What’s more, it was found to have been producing sauce and squash.
In another raid, the team seized inedible rice, biscuits and spices from Binaya Kumar and Mahendra Kumar Stores at Chipledhunga and destroyed the items. The team seized over 61 sacks of rice from the stores upon finding that production and expiry dates were not written on the sacks.
In the wake of unabated production and sale of inedibles, a District Monitoring Committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Kaski Chief District Officer Shambhu Koirala has decided to monitor the market once a week to protect gullible consumers.
According to Kapil Koirala, chairman of the Consumers’ Forum Kaski, the team will be monitoring dairies and industries producing oil, rice, biscuits and noodles, chocolates. He vowed to punish all those involved in the production and sale of inedible, expired and stale foodstuffs as per the Consumers Protection Act 2054. “We must punish anyone found to be playing with consumers’ health,” said a food supervisor.
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