Prez, PM of Nepal call for unity and cooperation

Kathmandu, Oct 11 Nepal's top leadership today called for the need for unity and cooperation among people for smooth implementation of the new Constitution, which has been deadlocked amid protests.

Extending greetings on the occasion of Vijayadashmi, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari have asked the people to be oriented towards virtuous thinking while keeping "positive thoughts" to move ahead in the campaign of building a prosperous Nepal.

She asked for upholding the political, constitutional and social achievements made through the Constitution of Nepal.

"Our festivals, that symbolise the unity in diversity and the nation as the common garden of all castes and creeds, have made a significant contribution to uniting the geographical, religious, ethnic and cultural diversity at the same time maintaining social harmony, national unity and the common identity," Bhandari said.

"Our cultural festivals including Vijayadashami, have been making special contribution to fostering brotherhood, emotional unity in the Nepali society and also to enhancing national dignity," Prime Minister Prachanda said.

Prachanda said Nepal is a beautiful and diverse country comprising various castes, ethnicities, multiple languages, cultures and religions, and festivals.

"Unity in diversity is the unique dimension of Nepal and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve all the communities, languages, cultures and civilisations," he said.

"May the Vijayadashami festival become successful in strengthening the national unity and maintaining social harmony as well as brotherhood by opening the door to equal opportunity to all the Nepalis of different castes and languages and holding various religious beliefs," Prachanda said.

The Constitution promulgated last year could not be implemented due to the reservation shown by the agitating Madhesis, mostly Indian-origin.

Amendment of the Constitution to redraw the provincial boundary of the country is the key demand of the Madhesi parties.

PTI