Vehicles on display during the NADA Auto Show in this file photo.

September 8: Nepal Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has warned of defying the government if it extends the prohibitory order again.

The prohibitory order imposed in the three districts of Kathmandu valley expires on midnight of September 9.

NADA has urged all businesspersons to commence regular business starting from September 10.

 Issuing a press statement  on Monday, NADA has urged the government to make arrangement for resuming business by adopting safety measures once the current prohibitory order comes to an end after Wednesday.

NADA’s chairperson Krishna Prasad Dulal informed that the automobile dealers would defy the government if it extends the prohibitory order again.

“We will resume our service by defying the government order from September 10 onward,” he said.

Dulal further said that huger can be more dangerous than coronavirus. Other countries have lifted lockdown and have started regular business with optimum safety. There is no alternative for Nepal than to follow suit, he said.

He also demanded immediate relief packages for the businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

“The industrialists and entrepreneurs abided by the government’s decision for 180 days but the businesspersons have now been requested to operate their business regularly defying prohibitory orders,” NADA’s chairperson Krishna Prasad Dulal said, adding, “The government should take note that the country’s economy is falling and create environment to operate businesses easily.”

The automobile business in Nepal was reeling under crisis ahead of the coronavirus pandemic after the government imposed strict regulations on financing.

Nepal Rastra Bank had instructed banks and financial institutions to provide 50 percent loan for the purchase of automobiles. Later, the sales of vehicles came to a complete halt for nearly four months after the government imposed lockdown on March 24.

Currently, it is the peak season for sales of vehicles. But that too has been affected by the prohibitory order issued by the government.

NADA Chairman Dulal also expressed dissatisfaction over the extended lockdown followed by the prohibitory order stating that civil servants have been receiving salary and allowances despite not going to work. Only industrialists and businesses person have taken a stand against the lockdown because they have been affected the most- Chairman Dulal informed.