The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has underlined his growing concern over the blocking of essential supplies on the Nepal-India border. A statement published on UN’s website on October 20 reads, “He is alarmed by reports of the obstruction, and destruction, of life-saving medical supplies and the continued impact on humanitarian operations.”

The Secretary General called on all sides to lift the restrictions without further delay and also underlined Nepal’s ‘right of free transit’.

In view of the Madhesi Morcha’s, an alliance of agitating Tarai-centric parties, plan to further intensify the protests from Saturday, the Secretary-General further stressed  the importance of dialogue and non-violence, as well as respect for peaceful protest and the freedom of assembly.

He urged all sides to resolve differences in a peaceful and flexible manner and reiterated UN’s support on Nepal’s efforts to build a democratic, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous future.