March 17: The umbrella organizations of banks and financial institutions (BFIs) have demanded security guarantees to the employees working in the banking sector amid rising instances of physical assaults against BFI employees lately.

After the employees of the BFIs were attacked one after another, Nepal Bankers Association, Development Bankers Association Nepal, Nepal Financial Institution Association issued a joint statement today and demanded the authorities to take stringent action against the culprits. 

The statement reads, "We strongly condemn the recent incidents of threatening, indecent behaviors and brutal attacks on the employees of the banks and financial institutions."

Furthermore, it says, "We strongly object to the physical attacks, indecent behaviors and brutal assault on the employees in Jajarkot, Mawakanpur, Myagdi, Sunsari, Udayapur, Kapilbastu, Rupandehi, Kaski and other districts. We demand stringent action against the culprits."

These institutions have jointly called for booking those involved in  instigating such types of incidents and making statements that incite anarchy and violence.

The press release states that the banking services cannot be operated until such incidents are stopped and the security of employees is guaranteed.

The representatives of BFIs argued that the employees have become terrorized and worried after the attack on the banking sector which falls under the essential service and sensitive sector. 

According to the organizations, the morale of the entire banking sector would decrease if such incidents go up and it will also jeopardize the economy.

"Such activities will not be in the best interest of anyone. They will instead create an unfavorable environment, will disturb the social harmony and will also have a negative impact on economic activities, ultimately leading to the possibility of the economy itself crashing down. So, we urge all sides concerned to be conscious of this fact. We call upon the state bodies concerned to timely check these sorts of anarchic activities of taking the law into one's hand," reads the joint press release. -- RSS