KATHMANDU, April 26: Nepal Family Party (NFP) has announced to distribute 100 quintals of rice in relief to those badly affected by the prolonged nationwide lockdown enforced by the government to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). A meeting of the party's Central Work Performance Committee held in Kathmandu on Saturday made a decision to this effect.

NFP Chairman Ek Nath Dhakal said his party decided to provide food support to help people so that they are not forced to stay hungry as a result of the month-long lockdown. He said that the meeting has directed the party's district coordination committees to make necessary arrangements to distribute the relief material in close coordination with the local governments and police as per the criteria set by the government.

The meeting has drawn the government’s attention toward the possibility of the rise of social unrest, unemployment problem and violence as a result of the prolonged lockdown to contain COVID-19. It also urged the government to unveil special relief packages for those badly affected by COVID-19. Earlier, the NFP had donated several thousands masks to health workers, security personnels and media persons.

Among other things, the meeting has welcomed the peace agreement reached between the US and Taliban rebels in Afghanistan and an 'urgent ceasefire' proposal made by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to all warring parties in different parts of the world to effectively fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.