Hike in petroleum prices brings protest in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Aug 19 (UNI) The streets of Kathmandu were tense since early morning today due to protests by locals and students over the hike in petroleum price.

The area of Patan, Bhaktapur, Kalimati, Balaju, Chabahil, Old Baneshwor, Gaushala, Kalanki, Tinkune, Sorhakhutte, Gongabu, Koteshwor and Samakhushi were tensed due to the protests against the government decision to hike the price of petroleum products.

Traffic came to a halt on major roads of the valley as the protestors burnt tyres and trees. Students chanted slogans against the government.

''We want the Government to roll back the decision of hiking the price and if it is not done, we will be compelled to take strong actions againsts the Government,'' Satish Tripathi, a protester, told UNI.

Yesterday, the Nepalese Government had increased the wholesale prices of all major petroleum products by over eleven to 39 per cent.

UNI XC SHB ND1740