KATHMANDU, April 27: At least 27 teachers and school staff were injured in a clash between protesting teachers and the police in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, while demanding the implementation of the Education Act. Tensions escalated after the police used batons and water cannons to disperse the protest, which had been peaceful for 26 days.
Ram Prasad Dhakal, deputy secretary of the Nepal Teachers’ Association (NTA), accused the police of launching a pre-planned attack on the protest. "At 12:30 pm, the police suddenly began using batons and water cannons. So far, 27 teachers have been injured," he said.
Among the injured is Padam Bartela, the principal of Durbar High School, who is being treated at the Trauma Center. Injured protesters are being treated at Civil Hospital, Everest Hospital, Trauma Center, and Tilganga Eye Hospital. Some are in critical condition, according to the Association.
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Sabina Karki, a journalist from Prime Television, was also injured and is receiving treatment at Tilganga Eye Hospital. According to Kathmandu Valley Police Spokesperson SP Apil Raj Bohora, initial reports indicate 20 people were injured.
The NTA said that a speech platform had been set up beyond the restricted area in Baneshwor, with volunteers deployed to maintain order. However, volunteers, including Padam Patel, were allegedly beaten by the police, leaving Patel with severe eye injuries.
The Association also claimed that some individuals wearing helmets threw stones at the police, but these individuals were not teachers. “The movement was sabotaged by infiltrators," said Dhakal.
The NTA had hoped for a seven-point agreement following discussions with the Education Minister on Saturday, but the budget appears insufficient to meet their demands. "The government is trying to suppress the peaceful protest," Dhakal said.
Likewise, the Association has concluded that the movement was infiltrated and has warned of intensifying the protests. "The protest will continue until the government's demands are addressed," Dhakal added.
