House meeting put off following main opposition UML's obstruction

KATHMANDU, Sept 8: The meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) has been put off for 15 minutes after the main opposition party, CPN-UML, obstructed the parliament proceedings demanding dismissal of the 14 lawmakers formerly belonging to the CPN-UML.

The UML lawmakers picketed the rostrum and chanted strong slogans against Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota for not taking action against 14 lawmakers they had sacked shortly after the meeting began on Wednesday afternoon. The agitating UML lawmakers also demanded dismissal of the lawmakers including Madhav Kumar Nepal. 

Although the meeting has been called again after 15 minutes, lawmakers close to UML said they won't allow the house proceedings until their demands are met. 

Earlier, UML Chief Whip Bishal Bhattarai had alleged Speaker Sapkota had acted as an accomplice to split the UML. He alleged that the UML had faced split after Speaker Sapkota did not take action against 14 lawmakers the UML.