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UN concern over Nepal unrest

       New Delhi: The United Nations has expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of unrest in Nepal and for the well- being of the people there in the wake of the ongoing protests in the landlocked country. The UN feels that if the current situation continues to prevail in the coming days and weeks in Nepal, it is the general public who would be at the receiving end. "As the country-wide protests enter their third week and the Government maintains extensive curfews, the current situation has largely prevented the civilian population from undertaking their normal activities," said an official release of the UN. "People have stockpiled food supplies. Rising prices for basic commodities have been noted throughout the country. In a country where 86 per cent of the population lives on less than two dollars per day, a kilogram of tomatoes that usually costs 42 cents now costs 1.50 dollars. Additionally, the lack of transport and commerce means that the general population is unable to earn vital daily wages," it added.

     The UN further said that shortages of kerosene and gas were reported by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Nepal. There is also scarcity of cooking oil and sugar in many district markets and fresh fruit and vegetables are becoming scarce in areas where these items are not locally produced. "Hospitals are being overstretched. The capacity of doctors and nurses is limited and medical supplies are running low. Additionally, very few ambulances have been granted curfew passes in recent days, which has clearly obstructed rescue and care efforts," said the release. Pointing at some "positive notes", the UN said: "Although the majority of traffic has ground to a halt, the World Food Programme (WFP) and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have been able to maintain their humanitarian food convoys to seven refugee camps".