The Alliance Against Banda (AAB) comprising 18 tourism-related organizations including Nepal Tourism Board and Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) organized the rally that started from Thamel, went around Tudikhel, and concluded back in Thamel.[break]
“Constitution-Yes, Banda-No, banda is not a solution for constitution,” read placards carried by participants of the rally.
“We plan to file case against political leaders who put their signature in the commitment paper not to organize any banda or protest program that would affect tourists and the tourism industry,” said Ramsharan Thapaliya, vice-president of Thamel Tourism Development Committee.
“We are hopeful they will follow a court order at least. All of us know clearly that a constitution can´t be drafted on the streets. It can be drafted in parliament and we have to pressure lawmakers for this. All these bandas have political back-up as they (organizers) are the political wings of all the major political parties,” he charged.
Hari Sharma, CEO of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, said
the rally was organized to convey a message that it is not necessary to call bandas to exert pressure for constitution drafting.
“Pressure can be exerted through such rallies as well. We support the demand of the banda organizers but we are not in favor of a banda crippling normal life and causing losses amounting to millions of rupees,” he said, adding, “Tourism is a peace industry and such activities will have long-term effect.”
The strike that was called demanding a draft of the new constitution ensuring federalism with rights for indigenous nationalities crippled life in Kathmandu from early morning.
Businesses, educational institutions and transport shut down almost completely. Some marriage procession vehicles were, however, seen operating.
Reports from outside Kathmandu said normal life was affected there as well. According to our report from Birgunj, transport, industries, businesses and educational institutions remained shut in Bara and Parsa. The districts were shut down on Thursday as well due to a strike called by the Tharu Kalyankarini Sabha.
Strike enforcers sloganeered at Birgjunj´s Ghantaghar, Maisthan chowk and Murlichowk, among other places. The strike affected Kalaiya, Parwanipur, Jitpur and Nijgadh and other markets. Rickshaws operated, but charged extortionate fares.
The strike´s effect was mild in Gaur, headquarters of Rautahat.
Our correspondent from Dharan reported that even rickshaws were barred from operating in the town, something new for people there.
Rickshaw operators were furious. “I have to work every day to feed my family,” fumed a rickshaw operator, adding, “This never happened in the past.”
Our correspondent from Palpa reported that government staffers called an all-party meeting and asked local leaders of political parties not to shut down government offices during strikes.
At a meeting called at the District Administration Office, Chief District Officer Janak Raj Regmi told local political leaders, “You signed an agreement not to call strikes during Tourism Year 2011. Since it looks like no one can prevent strikes, parliament should come up with a Strike Management Act”.
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