Not emotion but practical solution at crisis : DPM Pokhrel

31 March Kathmandu : Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ishwor Pokhrel has reiterated that the government position on those stranded at Nepal-India border following the lockdown in both countries should be practical and not guided by emptions.

Referring to the efforts of migrant Nepalis to enter Nepal from Dharchula (beyond Mahakali River) and other no-mans-land in the border, he shared that both Nepal and India have agreed to make arrangement of feeding those stranded ones where they are at present. “Rather than being emotional, practical solution of the problem is being sought,” he said, making it clear that even the Indian ones stranded in Nepali side have not been allowed to go back to India. In this crisis, they are also being provided with food and shelter within Nepal.

DPM Pokhrel, who is also heading the high level committee on infection of COVID-19 and its prevent and control, shared his views with the National News Agency (RSS) at his office on Tuesday. “In the current crisis, let’s stay in the very place we are at currently,” he called on everyone. “It is true from emotional view point, those trying to enter country should be brought, but at present fear of coronavirus spread, they can stay where they are now,” DPM Pokhrel stressed. It is the shortcut method adopted in agreement, he added.

Even the World Health Organization’s protocol has mentioned that anyone should stay safe in the very place that they are in times of such crisis and disaster. DPM Pokhrel however said government was effortful to ensure test of corovavirus and its control among Nepalis. Similarly, he made it clear that shortcut way was adopted to bring in medical equipment and safety tools from China. But, there was unnecessary rumour on it, he asserted.

“Rumour and low level criticism do not work in times of a crisis,” he said, stressing, “Government is guardian of citizens, it can take any decision in crisis. In need, any goods can be imported via G2G model.” He further urged the people to stay home and adopt safety measure as personal hygiene and sanitation. People’s cooperation is essential to cope up crisis.

The Sunday decision of the Cabinet to provide special package to the daily wagers would be enforced effectively. Similarly, the labourers at local level working as daily wage earners would be provided relief amount. Every decision government made has kept country and people in the centre, he underscored.