President of the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) Sher Bahadur Deuba has urged Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli to listen to doctors and health experts and not politicians to decide about whether to impose lockdown or not.
Speaking with reporters after the meeting of experts and opposition leaders called by PM Oli on Tuesday, Deuba said leaders do not know whether to impose lockdown or not. "It has gone bad after end of the lockdown," he quipped pointing at the surge of cases. "What is the use of inviting politicians and holding discussion? PM should discuss with doctors and health experts about whether to impose lockdown or not. I have told him to discuss with experts who know."
He added that the leaders don't know whether lockdown is necessary or not. "Human life is very important. One cannot be saved once dead. It is up to the experts and doctors to advise about lockdown. I can only say people should not be left to die."
He revealed that he also urged PM Oli to expand the scope of PCR testing.
Oli has held discussion with public health experts, opposition leaders including Deuba and Chairman of Janata Samajwadi Party Mahantha Thakur and ministers and secretaries, and other experts in the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) to decide about the next steps in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Infection has been surging across the country in recent times. Birgunj, Biratnagar, Rajbiraj and other places along the plains have already imposed prohibitory orders and lockdown after the recent rise in cases.
It has also been rising inside the Kathmandu Valley with many people returning back following the end of nationwide lockdown.
