Dabur Nepal closes due to Maoists threat

Kathmandu, May 20 (UNI) Dabur Nepal, a joint venture between Nepal and India, and dozens of industries in the Bara district have been closed due to the Maoists' extortion and intimidation.

Sudden closure has inflicted the industry a loss of millions of rupees, Dabur Nepal Senior General Manager S P Malhotra told Kantipur.

'''Cadres of the Maoists affiliated trade union enter the factory premises forcefully, organise mass meetings and even manhandle promoters and senior officials. Industries simply cannot continue operation in such a situation,'' Kantipur quoted Birgunj Chambers of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Vice President Sushil Mittal, as saying.

Dozens of industries, including Dabur Nepal, Triveni Spinning Mills, Jagadamba Steel, Shiva Shakti Ghee Industry, Rajesh Metal and Narayani Rolling, closed operations yesterday after the Maoists demanded huge amount from them, industry sources said.

''We will close down all the industries of the area for indefinite period if the Maoists affiliated trade union did not respond to our call for talks within the ultimatum period,'' Mr Mittal said.

The Maoists started disturbing industrial activities over the last few days, Mr Malhotra added.

Over 450 medium and large scale industries are based in Birgunj and Pathalaiya areas of the district.

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