Nepalgunj airport blockade enters day five; airlines offices padlocked

Locals of Karnali region, who have been staging protest at the Ranjha Airport in Nepalgunj against the hike in airfare, have padlocked the main gate of the airport Monday, the fifth day of their protest.

The protesting Karnali locals are staging dharna (sit-in) at the main gate of the airport, barring airport officials and others from moving in and out of the airport premises. They have also padlocked the offices of Nepal Airlines Corporation and the private airlines in Nepalgunj, reports said.

No flights could be operated to mid-western and far-western districts from Ranjha airport because of the blockade. Today's flights to and from Kathmandu have also been cancelled.

Hundreds of passengers have been left stranded for the last five days due to the protest.

Meanwhile, the Karnali Rights Coordination Committee which has been organising the protest has said the protest will not end unless the eight-point demands, which include concession for Karnali locals on airfare and cargo fare, are met. nepalnews.com mk July 07 08