CPN-Maoist bans Hindi films, Indian vehicles in 10 districts

KATHMANDU: CPN-Maoist, the breakaway faction of Nepal's ruling Maoists, has issued a warning against screening of Hindi films and operation of vehicles bearing Indian number plates in 10 districts, saying that anybody defying its ban will face consequences.

The party imposed the ban in the districts under the Tamsaling Ethnic State Committee, including Chitwan, Makwanpur, Dhading and Kavre, claiming that the move was aimed at protecting national sovereignty.

Senior CPN-Maoist leader Dev Gurung said the party has banned the screening of Hindi movies and broadcast of Hindi songs in these districts in an attempt to promote Nepali films and songs.

He said the ban on operation of vehicles with Indian number plates has also been imposed as a large number of such vehicles are found transporting agriculture goods from India, which has resulted in the domestic produce losing out the market in the country.

The party has warned that anybody defying the ban will face consequences.

Following the CPN-Maoist's ban order, different broadcast media based in Chitwan and Makawanpur have stopped playing Hindi songs.

Meanwhile, a delegation comprising representatives from the broadcast media based in the districts have urged the CPN-Maoist Chitwan District committee to withdraw the ban.