The Lumbini Development Fund has expressed its deep regret over an incident involving verbal abuse and physical assault against its officials by individuals linked to the construction sector. The Fund has called for action against those involved in the incident.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Fund’s Secretary, Sanu Raja Shakya, stated that such activities occurring at the sacred birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, Lumbini, are extremely condemnable and unfortunate.
The incident occurred on Tuesday after an interaction program jointly organized by the Federalism Strengthening and National Interest Committee members and the Fund. During this event, some individuals associated with the construction sector engaged in verbal abuse and physical confrontation with the Fund’s Vice Chairman, Chairman, and Secretary.
For several days, construction professionals working within the Lumbini Master Plan area had been staging protests regarding payment issues. The Fund’s release indicated that multiple meetings had been held with these construction representatives to address the problems.
To facilitate payments, an informal agreement had been reached on October 7 for a meeting led by the Fund’s Chairman, with the Secretary and Planning Chief present to advance the payment process in the presence of the Vice Chairman. However, this incident occurred despite the progress made.
The Fund clarified that it is committed to advancing the payment process for construction professionals but emphasized that this is only possible if a conducive working environment is established at the Fund’s workplace.
