Nepal government has asked the opposition Unified CPN(Maoist) to halt any moves and activities aimed at obstructing the work of the Indian firm GMR ITD consortium on the 300 MW Upper Karnali hydro-power project. In a statement, the spokesperson of Nepal's Ministry of Energy Anup Kumar Upadhya has described the Maoist warning to shut the Upper Kanarli hydro-power project as 'politically motivated' that will not only adversely affect the smooth running of the hydropower project, but also discourage investors from private sectors towards supporting the private sector investment promotion of the state. The statement said that the project is expected to be completed in about five years, and would supply 12 per cent free energy and 27% of company's profit to Nepal Electricity Authority.In a press conference at Sukhet recently, UCPN (M) politburo member Khadka Bahadur Biswakarma has asked GMR-ITD Consortium, a branch of GMR Energy, to stop work on the project located in the area bordering Surkhet, Accham and Dailekh districts stating that it was not in Nepal’s favour.Reports say locals in the area bordering Surkhet, Accham and Dailekh districts, where the project is located, have asked the Maoists to take back the threat to shut the project, as it would affect the region’s development. The promoters are granting aids and assistance in the field of health and education and have built 175 meters long suspension bridge on the demands of the local people.