The people, who had been agitating in the Far Western region demanding an ‘undivided Far West’, have announced postponement of the shutdown from Thursday onwards.

The agitating groups said they deferred the 20-day protest after the major political parties assured them of ensuring an “undivided Far West” in the deal signed on Tuesday. “Leaders have assured us to ensure undivided Far West in accordance with their commitments expressed with the delegation in the new federal set-up. And, we have postponed the stir so that life would return to normalcy in the region,” said Purna Bahadur Chand, a member of the task team representing the “undivided Far West”.

In Tuesday’s agreement, political parties have mentioned that nine districts of Seti and Mahakali zones would be kept under a single province and public opinion would be collected in the region as proposed by senior leaders of three political parties. The deal on Far Western region has also stated that proper referendum could also be conducted to decide on the matter. On Wednesday, Peace Secretary and the talk team agreed to provide free treatment for those injured in clashes in the Far Western region and provide compensation for destroyed properties.

Chand, however, said they would continue pressure campaign unless their demands are addressed.

Shortage of medicines

BAJHANG/ DARCHULA

Continuous banda in the Far West for the past 20 days has taken its toll on the health sector in Bajhang and Darchula.

Hospitals, local health facilities and pharmacies in the two districts are reeling under an acute shortage of essential medicines, salines, syringes and oxygen.

Rajendra Bhatta, a pharmacist in Bajhang, said cases of diarrhoea, typhoid and flu are rising, while the district lacks medicines.

Rajendra Khatri, the chief of the District Public Health Office, said the district hospital is on the verge of suspending the X-ray service due to the looming shortage of X-ray plates. The hospital is also running out of oxygen, he said.

Meanwhile, the district hospital in Darchula is also facing shortage of medicines, syringes and chemicals used in the laboratory. People in need of medical attention are compelled to go to India for treatment and buy medicines there.

In Bajhang, ambulance services have been distrupted owing to the shortage of fuel. Though the ambulance service run by the Nepal Red Cross Society is in operation, it is unable to cater to the needs of all those in need of emergency medical care, an official at the district hospital said.

ekantipur.com