Closure of banks, ATMs hits people

Kathmandu,
People lives, particularly those in need of emergency medical services, were badly hit after banks in Baglung shut down their services, citing security threats on Thursday. 

Not just their branch offices, the banks operating in Baglung Bazaar shut down even their ATMs, leaving people in emergency need of cash high and dry. 

“This is height of negligence by the banks,” said Susan Thapa from Tangram, who arrived in Baglung Bazaar for the treatment of his father. He said he has run short of money and the closure of ATMs has left him with little choice as he can neither take his father for health checkup nor procure medicines.

“I thought I would be able to withdraw money from ATM here,” said Thapa, “But ATM of my bank remained shut throughout the day and no other banks have opened their ATMs as well.” Thapa said he knew nobody in the town from whom he could borrow money.

On Thursday, depositors complained that banks such as Nabil, Everest, Himalayan, Kumari and Global, among others, kept their ATM counters closed throughout the day.

Bankers, on the other hand, said they had to close down their ATMs mainly because of security concerns. They also maintained that they would be ready to provide normal services if they were guaranteed the security of their properties. 

“Ambulance, banking services, press, milk and vegetables fall under basic needs and services. Therefore, instead of laying down conditions, banks should hold talks with agitators and local administration and resume their services promptly,” said Nava Raj Lamsal, advisor of the Baglung Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI).