Business shutdown on October 17

Unveiling its program of agitation, the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has announced 'business shutdown' on October 17.

Advancing demands like immediate end of tax/extortion and restoration of law and order, the FNCCI has decided to launch phase-wise agitation as per the decision made in Birgunj last month by a national convention of business community.

Their demands include resolution of trade union and labor disputes; ending of truck syndicate system; ending of harassment of businessmen in the name of 'loan repayment'; extension of loan rescheduling deadline up to mid-January next year and so on.

"We regret that we have been compelled to announce agitation at a time when there are efforts underway to build a new Nepal," said Chandi Raj Dhakal, president of FNCCI.

The FNCCI has appealed to all business communities across the country to stop their activities on October 17, Tuesday. Dhakal, however, added that essential services like medicine pharmacies, water supplies, dairy supplies, fire brigade and ambulances will not be affected. "We will announce further programs of agitation if this shutdown also is not successful to draw the attention of concerned people," Dhakal said. nepalnews.com sd Oct 12 06