Around a dozen Tarai-based factories, including some big ones in the Lumbini Corridor, have been vandalised over the last few days amid protests against the proposed federal set-up.

The protesters started to target the industries after the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) handed over a memorandum to Madhes-based leaders on Wednesday, urging them to end the strikes and settle the issues through dialogue.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the proposed federal states demarcation, Tarai-based political parties and groups have imposed strikes in the region for over a month now.

One of the vandalised factories was Arghakhachi Cement, owned by FNCCI President Pashupati Murarka. Others were Goyanka Cement, Goyanka Steel, Reliance Paper Mill, Reliance Cement, Jagadamba Cement, Jagadamba Spinning, Siddhartha Cement, Supreme Cement, Brij Cement and Ambuja Cement, the companies said.

The FNCCI on Friday criticised the government for failing to provide security to industrial establishments. “The Home administration has neither inquired about the security of the industrial establishments nor has it created a safe environment for them,” said the FNCCI. “The private sector is saddened by the government’s silence.”

Ram Kumar Sharma, President Siddharthanagar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said cases of physical assault on workers and theft of industrial property were on the rise. “Scared, a large number of workers have started leaving the factories,” said Sharma.

At a recent meeting with a delegation of the Siddharthanagar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the local administration has assured setting up an Armed Police Force base for the factories’ security.

However, Superintendent of Police Rajendra Dhakal said the situation was

going out of control as the protesting political party leaders made Bhairahawa their base.