Kathmandu, March 13
While in power, Nepal’s political parties often make controversial decisions or look the other way when subordinate bodies make such decisions. Interestingly, their sister organisations often become the ones to hit the streets first against such moves.
In keeping with this practice, All Nepal National Free Students’ Union, an organisation of the CPN-UML, which is leading the current government, picketed the Nepal Oil Corporation’s central office in Babar Mahal, demanding that the NOC scrap a controversial oil import deal with Birat Oil Company.
The student union said the NOC indulged in institutional corruption by letting Birat sell petrol at rate higher than the NOC’s.
Addressing the protest, Nabina Lama, ANNFSU president, demanded action against those involved in corruption and black marketing.
The protest started at 9 am and lasted more than two hours, with protesters barring NOC employees from entering the office through the main gate.
Rashmi Acharya, ANNFSU Vice-president, said they will hand over a memorandum to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to press the government to curb institutional corruption, end black marketing and make arrangements for smooth supply of oil.
All Nepal National Independent Students’ Union-Revolutionary, affiliated to the ruling UCPN-Maoist, has also been staging a movement demanding an end to corruption and black marketing.
