Maoists tell GMR to stop work in Nepal

The Maoists,who hold a majority in the ruling coalition,also say the matter should wait till it was decided if water was a federal,concurrent or state subject,now that the country was going federal.

The attack at Dailekh came a fortnight after the May 8 meeting at the UCPN-M party office in Kathmandu,where GMR was conveyed this message by Maoists looking after water resources. Following it,Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna sought a categorical commitment from Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal that staff of the Indian embassy and Indian property in Nepal would not be targeted.

GMR is developing two mega projects in central Nepal,Upper Karnaki (900 MW) and Upper Marsyangdi-2 (600 MW).

The Maoist leaders reportedly told the construction group the previous government had given it licence to build the hydel projects without following the due process of law,or considering other proposals. They demanded that “there be no export of energy until and unless Nepal is self-sufficient”. GMR’s request to let work continue without political disturbance reportedly did not receive a favourable response. Speaking to The Indian Express,GMR clarified that none of their workers had been injured in Sunday’s attack and said the local police had been highly supportive and been mobilised at the site office.