Chitwan’s Gold and Silver Traders Stand Firm on Continuing the Protest

Amir Ramdam,
Chitwan – Gold and silver traders in Chitwan have expressed their firm stance on continuing the protest demanding the cancellation of impractical taxation policies.

The issue was raised during a business gathering and interaction program organized by the Chitwan chapter of the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association.

Participants in the program emphasized that both national federations should move forward with talks with the government while simultaneously maintaining a balanced strategy with the ongoing protest.

Likewise, the traders expressed disappointment over recent comments made by the Director General of the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection, Mr. Kumar Prasad Dahal, in an interview aired on News 24. They condemned his anti-business remarks and demanded his resignation.

Chairing the program, Hem Bahadur Bishwakarma, President of the Chitwan Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, stated that while the federation has directed members to confidently operate their businesses as before, traders are still being terrorized by tax authorities. He remarked that traders are now in a “do or die” situation.

He accused both federations and the protest committee of calling off the movement due to political pressure, without considering the sentiments of the business community.

Speaking at the event, Member of Parliament Ranendra Barali said that the agreements made by the federations and protest committee have disappointed traders. He stressed that there is no alternative to a strong protest in order to exert pressure on the government and urged traders not to back down under any circumstances.

Similarly, Prem Khati, Third Vice-President of the Nepal Federation of Gold, Silver, Gems and Jewelry Associations, declared that the impractical tax must be reduced at any cost. He urged traders not to be misled and to strictly follow federation directives with patience.

He also emphasized that no agreement or settlement would be made that would be detrimental to traders.

Tulak Prasad Bishwakarma, Secretary of the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Federation, stated that the task force has successfully unified all gold and silver traders and is currently in direct communication with the government. He advised traders not to act against federation directives out of emotion, as the task force is actively working to address their demands.

Also speaking at the program were Federation Spokesperson Jiwanjyoti Bishwakarma, Central Member Ritu Bishwakarma, Bagmati Province Member Dinesh Khati, President of the Eastern Chitwan Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association Bishnu Lakai, Former Presidents and Advisors of the Chitwan chapter Gyanendraman Shakya and Tek Bahadur Bishwakarma.

The event was moderated by the federation’s General Secretary, Gopal Bahadur B.K. Thapa.