Thirteen student unions affiliated to various political parties today gave the government a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw the hike in price of petroleum products.

A meeting of student unions held at the office of Tarai Madhesi Democratic Students Front issued the ultimatum stating that the government had cracked a joke on students and the poor by hiking the price of petroleum products.

Madhav Dhungel, president, All Nepal National Free Students Union aligned to CPN-UML said, “If the price hike is not annulled within 24 hours, we will launch stern protests tomorrow against the government including the demand for Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai’s resignation.”

He said, “Earlier, the government had signed a deal promising concession to students and poor people on petroleum products, but the government stayed mum on implementing the agreement and increased the price again,” adding, “The government has ridiculed the students’ movement.”

The government on Saturday had hiked the price of petrol, diesel and kerosene by Rs 4 per litre.

Nepal Students Union, aligned to Nepali Congress today met Prime Minister Bhattarai demanding concession on petroleum products for students and poor people.

source: The Himlayan Times, 28 Feb 2012