Vandalism at NEA Bharatpur Office, chief assaulted after digital board displays derogatory remarks against PM Oli
KATHMANDU, March 26: As the demonstrations intensify in various parts of the country following the removal of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)'s Managing Director, Kulman Ghising, from his position, the government has tightened security at the NEA headquarters and other offices to prevent any untoward incidents.
Security personnel have been deployed outside NEA offices, closely monitoring the situation. Authorities remain on high alert as the public outcry continues to grow after the Council of Ministers on Monday decided to sack Ghising, who is credited for ending power cuts and significantly improving Nepal's electricity supply.
Even the World Bank has acknowledged his role in solving the problem of severe power cuts (load-shedding) in Nepal, managing domestic demands, and promoting greater regional cooperation.
“Ghising is credited with overhauling the hydropower generation systems in Nepal by storing water during low demand hours and generating more power when the demand is at peak,” the World Bank posted on its website, adding, “He also ended the policy of providing 24-hour electricity to big industries and launched a public awareness campaign to discourage the use of high-power domestic equipment during peak hours.”
The then government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal had appointed Ghising as NEA’s Managing Director on August 9, 2021, marking his second term in the role.
NEA offices under tight security as protests escalate over Kulm...
The incumbent government led by KP Sharma Oli is at odds with Ghising over his refusal to let the defaulting industrialists get away with unpaid dues for using dedicated feeders and trunk lines for uninterrupted power supply during the time of load shedding.
Ghising’s stance on disconnecting power supply to the defaulting industries resulted in the government seeking multiple clarifications before sacking him through a cabinet decision.
The removal of Ghising and the recent announcement of load-shedding recently by Energy Minister Deepak Khadka has led to discontent among the public.
Vandalism at NEA distribution centre
A group of individuals stormed the NEA distribution center in Bharatpur, assaulted its chief, Ramu Shrestha, and vandalized the office after derogatory remarks against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli appeared on the digital display board.
The NEA has clarified that its digital board was hacked and termed the display of offensive remarks against the Prime Minister as an unfortunate and illegal act, urging authorities to take stringent action against those involved.
The attack took place around 10 AM on Tuesday when 35-40 people entered the office and physically assaulted Shrestha in his chamber. The assailants also damaged office property, including computers and tables, according to an NEA statement.
The controversy began on Monday evening when offensive remarks targeting Prime Minister Oli were displayed on the NEA’s digital board for about an hour in the afternoon following the government’s decision to sack Ghising.
The board typically displays informative messages for customers. However on Monday, a slogan against Prime Minister Oli suddenly appeared on the display. "As soon as we found out, we deleted it," said Nandaram Bista, administrative chief of the centre, adding, "We are also shocked as to how that was caused."
In response, a team from the Youth Association and ANNFSU visited the office on Tuesday to submit a memorandum regarding the incident but resorted to vandalism.
According to Bista, a group of youths suddenly entered the office and attacked Shrestha. He added that the group vandalized items such as computers, flowerpots and doors and windows.
The Bharatpur distribution center condemned the attack while also reaffirming its commitment to find those responsible for the derogatory remarks and punishing them.
“Using abusive language against an individual holding the esteemed position of Prime Minister violates the constitution and existing laws. Those responsible must face strict action under the Cybercrime Act and relevant legal provisions.”
Additionally, the NEA family has issued a public appeal, demanding legal action against those responsible for the vandalism and assault. They have also called for immediate security measures to ensure the safety of employees, expressing concerns over their well-being.
