The indefinite banda enforced in various districts to protest the constitution amendment proposal to split Province 5 continued on Monday as well.

Transportation service, business establishments, schools and factories remained shut in Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Palpa, Gulmi, Sindhuli, and Arghakhanchi districts for the sixth straight day.

Leaders of various political parties, traders and locals have been protesting against the government’s constitution amendment proposal to split Province 5.

In Rupandehi, people have been protesting against the amendment proposal demanding the government to roll back its decision to keep the Province 5 intact.

 In Kapilvastu, the local administration has declared Taulihawa Bazaar a restricted zone, citing security concerns.

The order was issued after it was reported that the Madhes-centric parties in the district were planning to retaliate against the parties protesting the proposal.

In Tansen, the district headquarters of Palpa, thousands of people affiliated to various political parties staged a demonstration carrying national flags. Similar protests were organised in Gulmi, Sindhuli and Arghakhanchi districts as well.

In Pyuthan, the Samyukta Sanghrasha Samiti shut down Pyuthan Bazaar for three hours to protest against the government decision.

In Rolpa, local civil society leaders have decided to continue the banda and protest rallies until their demand to keep Province 5 intact is met.

In Banke and Bardiya, the supporters of CPN-UML and four other parties protested against the amendment proposal.

(With inputs from our local correspondents)