KATHMANDU: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Basanta Nembang has said that the Khuwalung stone in the Kosi River would not be destroyed. He said that the water transport in the Koshi River would be operated without breaking the stone.

On the last day of annual review meeting of the ministry’s departments Sunday, Minister Nembang argued that some forces were exercising to politicize the issue of the stone but the government has no plans to break it.

On the occasion, the Minister directed the Railway Department to operate the Janakpur-Jaynagar Railway service soon after the life returns to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Province 1 government has also committed to preserve the stone in its policy and program unveiled for the fiscal year 2021/22.

Disputes were witnessed as some reports stated that the stone would be destroyed to run the water transport in the Koshi River, arguing that the stone could affect the water traffic there. However, the locals have protested against such reports stating that the Khuwalung was a cultural symbol for them, not merely a stone