Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has expressed serious concern over the recent decision to disconnect power lines and arrest around 700 industries established in 10 industrial zones run by the government-run Industrial Area Management Limited.

Industrial Area Management Limited itself has filed a review case in the Supreme Court and High Court against the verdict of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and High Court regarding the dispute of increasing the rent of the industrial area.

It is against the rule of law and business etiquette to suddenly insist on the payment of arrears by giving a short period of 7 days in a situation where the case is sub judice and the industrialists have not provided clear details of the rental rate.

It is the primary responsibility of the state to encourage and protect the productive industries in order to make the economy dynamic at present. It is also the responsibility of Industrial Area Management Limited to support and facilitate the smooth operation of the industries.

At such a sensitive time, it is not justified from any point of view to cut the power lines of industries, halt production and shut down industries. Such a move would demoralize domestic investors and discourage domestic and foreign investment.

It is the responsibility of all to promote and protect the production and productivity of the industry.

Therefore, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) strongly demands the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and Industrial Area Management Limited to immediately stop all activities that do not intimidate the industries and stop the flow of production.

The federation has urged all sides concerned to find a scientific and practical solution to the land lease issue only through dialogue and consensus, respecting the legal process. We also inform that the Federation is ready to play the role of a facilitator to resolve this problem.