People took to the streets in Libang, the district headquarters of Rolpa, on Friday to protest against the government plan of splitting Province 5.

The demonstration was led by the political parties in the district, including the ruling CPN (Maoist Centre) and Nepali Congress.

 They also submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal through Chief District Officer Mitralal Sharma, demanding that Province 5 should remain intact. 

Bir Bahadur Ghartimagar,  a leader from the CPN (Maoist Centre)-aligned student union , said he was against the proposal brought by his party chairman and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. 

The Maoist leaders and supporters in Rolpa are not pleased with the decision, he said, adding that they will resort to stronger protest if their demand is not heard.

On Thursday, an all-party meeting, led by NC lawmaker Amar Singh Pun, had decided to organise a weeklong protest to press the government against splitting Province 5, a proposition made by the government to address the demands of Madhes-based parties.