KATHMANDU, Nov 24: There is anticipation that the demonstration planned by medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai's group at Tinkune in the capital today may lead to tension. The ‘grand liberation movement’ initiated in the capital by the Prasai-led ‘Saving Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizen Rescue Campaign’ is scheduled to take place in Tinkune today.
However, as of now, there has been no official agreement with the local administration, creating an unusual situation. "There is no coordination with the local administration. We are in the office," stated Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Jitendra Basnet. "Tinkune is a very sensitive area with an airport and restricted zones nearby."
"After observing their actions and expressions yesterday, they are not allowed to hold a program there," Chief District Officer Basnet said. While acknowledging their right to assemble and hold programs under constitutional rights, he emphasized that a potentially disruptive movement would not be permitted in Tinkune.
Prasai-led group to organize protest in Sifal today
He added, "In yesterday's program and press conference, they exceeded the limits of freedom of expression provided by the constitution. Provocative statements indicating violence, vandalism of public property, and arson were heard." If the crowd becomes uncontrollable, security personnel may need to use force, potentially leading to riots. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is monitoring the situation closely.
The local administration has devised a strategy to prevent the crowd from reaching the Tinkune area by using force, as verbally communicated to the protesting party. Chief District Officer Basnet officially announced that the program could be held in the Balkhu area, a location currently under discussion.
"It won't be in the same place as yesterday, but a little further. They need to submit a written request to the administration office to obtain permission," he stated. Conversely, the Prasai group insists on holding the program in Tinkune.
The program details have been made public, with Prasai himself announcing on Facebook that it will commence at 11 AM, conducted by Rajananda Mandabya, the co-spokesperson of the campaign. Mandabya acknowledged the challenges faced in the previous program, stating, "Yesterday's program was supposed to be peaceful, but it spiraled out of control. False statements were made when the main organizer was absent, leading to chaos."
Mandabya noted that Prasai's provocative expressions caused problems, emphasizing their aim to peacefully present their demands rather than engaging in conflicts. However, he expressed uncertainty about today's program being entirely controlled and peaceful.
