KATHMANDU: Political parties have called for a unified national response to the disaster caused by the Bhotekoshi flood and urged the government to begin discussions with the international community to strengthen rescue and relief efforts.
The consensus was reached during an all-party meeting called by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane on Tuesday. Leaders attending the meeting said all political forces should work together to confront the national disaster.
Opposition parties also raised concerns over the government’s response, arguing that there were grounds to question some of its actions. They urged the government to make rescue and relief operations more responsible and effective.
According to Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Gyanendra Shahi, participants also discussed the need to engage with the international community on disaster management and rescue efforts.
Leaders said greater coordination between Nepal and China was necessary as the disaster originated from the Chinese side of the border. They argued that cooperation between the two countries could be important for rescue and relief operations.
Some participants also questioned why Prime Minister Balendra Shah had not convened the all-party meeting himself. Leaders said the prime minister should have taken the initiative to bring political parties together to discuss the disaster response.
They also said the absence of the prime minister was noticeable during the meeting and called for stronger leadership and coordination from the government in dealing with the crisis.
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