KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has come forward to defend Batas Organization, which is embroiled in a dispute over the operation of a cafeteria in Narayanhiti Palace Museum.

The federation, issuing a statement Friday, said its attention was drawn to the unilateral character assassination and humiliation against the Batas organization in connection with the operation of the cafeteria at the Narayanhiti Museum.

FNCCI is of the view that it is natural for any private entity to endeavor to run a business within the existing legal framework, by meeting the government’s criteria after obtaining the necessary permit. “As such, all should be aware that it is not a crime,” FNCCI said.

FNCCI said it is never against the government’s action if any entity is found to be at fault; however, it believed in an investigation to bring out the truth. “It is also unjustified to dismantle a private organization’s infrastructure acting only on news reports; without proper investigation and without providing a chance to clarify,” the statement read.

The federation is worried about the prospect of shrinking investment, loss of employment opportunities and demoralization of the private sector in the context where a private organization has been granted the use of government resource to conduct business. “All the blame is put on the organization after providing permit.”

While FNCCI is a supporter of fairly doing business in the legal framework, the federation is also clear about criticizing attempts to hinder the constitutional right of citizens to conduct business within the legal framework.”

FNCCI calls on all not to attack businesses unilaterally when there is no evidence of fault or misdeeds.