Samyukta Madhesi Morcha, CPN (Maoist Centre) and the representatives of civil society organised an hour long vehicular strike at Parasi, the district headquarters of Nawalparasi, on Sunday to protest the transfer of Local Development Officer (LDO) Jiblal Bhusal.

They staged a demonstration at Buddhchowk and padlocked the revenue department of the office of District Development Committee demanding withdrawal of the transfer decision.

According to the protesters, Bhusal, who was appointed the LDO of Nawalparasi just 32 days ago, was transferred to Dhading after he started a crackdown on illegal extraction of sand and stones from local rivers and streams.

On December 10, security personnel had seized 30 trucks from Kerunge stream for illegal extraction and transportation of sand and aggregates.

An official at the DDC said within short time of his arrival, Bhusal had spread fear among local builders who had been extracting sand and stones without permit. He had single-handedly collected Rs 7 million in revenue within a month.

Organising a press meet at the DDC, Bhusal claimed that his transfer was influenced by the syndicate of local builders who had political reach up to the government ministries.

Dharendra Yadav, district chairman of Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal, said Bhusal was transferred because he was doing a good job that threatened the business of the builders who were involved in illegal sand and stone mining.

Yadav said that they will not allow new LDO candidate join the office unless it is Bhusal himself.

The government has also transferred District Administration Officer Prakash Panthi along with Bhusal.