DHANKUTA, Jan 20: Following its inconclusive discussion with residents of Dhankuta and political parties, the local administration office has continued with its prohibitory order on Saturday. The local administration has decided that as long as the protest form doesn’t change, the district will reel under prohibitory order, Prem Prakash Upreti, chief district officer said.
Yesterday, the local administration held discussions with protesters throughout the day. However, after neither backed down on their demand and requests, situation of the district deteriorated. While the local administration has allowed movement of people during the Order, a general strike has forced shops to shut down. Although the local administration had escorted vehicles after 5:30 PM yesterday, a general strike announced by protestors today has halted vehicles travelling from the Koshi highway since 6 AM.
Prohibitory order in Dhankuta extended till July 25
Struggle committee announces protest
While the government has issued a prohibitory order, protesters have intensified their protests to name the district as the capital of Province 1. The committee has announced general strike from 6 AM to 5 PM today.
The struggle committee, led by Sundar Babu Shrestha said that they would organize protest rally and put black flag in every house of the district. The committee has also urged government offices to put down their pens from 1 PM -2 PM. Moreover, it also is planning to collect citizenship of the district residents and submit it to the local administration.
The committee has also planned to demand free treatment for those injured during the protest. Moreover, it will also hold discussions with elected representatives of all 14 districts under the Province and urge them not to attend the swearing-in ceremony as long as Dhankuta was to be named as Provincial capital, Shrestha said.
