Traffic halt during PM Oli's Surkhet visit sparks protests

Kathmandu, March 7 — Prime Minister and CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli faced criticism during his visit to Surkhet, as roads were cleared for his convoy, causing inconvenience to the public.

On Friday, when Oli arrived, the road from Surkhet Airport to Dailakh Chowk along the Ratna Highway was cleared, leading to a 20-minute traffic halt.

Passengers walking on the road were also strictly monitored. This move sparked protests, with drivers honking their horns to express their displeasure.

The public raised objections, saying that in a republic, it was inappropriate to block roads simply due to the arrival of the Prime Minister.

Local residents voiced their concerns about the undue hardship caused to ordinary people.

Surkhet District Police Office spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Birendra Bir Bishwokarma, responded that the traffic stoppage was a necessary security measure when the Prime Minister visits.

"It was a temporary measure during his arrival, and those in a rush might have honked. The situation is normal now," he said.

Oli is currently participating in a program at the Mid-Western University and is scheduled to address the Karnali Provincial Assembly later.

The Chief Minister of Karnali, Yam Lal Kandel, had already handed over a letter in Kathmandu for this purpose.

Afterward, Oli will inspect the Birendranagar Provincial Stadium in Surkhet.