Dr Govinda KC’s team asked to show credentials

Kathmandu, July 17

Dr Govinda KC’s team could not hold talks with the government today after the latter sought a letter acknowledging the team members as representatives of Dr KC.

The Cabinet had formed a three-member committee led by Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Khaga Raj Baral yesterday to hold talks with Dr KC, who has been on a fast-unto-death since June 30.

Dr KC’s team led by Dr Mukti Ram Shrestha, president of National Medical Association, has approached the government’s team twice so far. The government team had not sought team members’ credentials yesterday, according to  NMA President Dr Shrestha. He also said that they were unaware if Dr KC had sent any official letter to the government acknowledging them as his representatives.

Secretary Baral also admitted that no formal meeting was held with Dr KC’s representatives. He said they had received no formal letter from the government asking them to hold talks with Dr KC’s team. “We have also asked Dr KC’s  representatives to bring him to Kathmandu as there are no good healthcare facilities in Jumla.”

Other members of the government’s talks team include Joint Secretary at the home ministry  Kedar Neupane and Director General at Department of Health Services Gunraj Lohani. Similarly, apart from Dr Shrestha, Dr Lochan Karki, general secretary of NMA, and Dr Prakash Budhathoki, joint-treasurer of NMA, are representing Dr KC.

Nepal Students Union cadres take out rally

KATHMANDU:  Nepal Students Union cadres staged a demonstration in Kathmandu on Tuesda, demanding that the government address Dr Govinda KC’s demands.

The NSU took out a rally from Maitighar Mandala to New Baneshwor. They demanded that the government implement the report of the Mathema commission. NSU Chair Nainsingh Mahar said they resorted to street protest as the government had undermined the Mathema-led commission’s report and also violated citizens’ right to freedom of speech and expression by declaring prohibited zones. NSU cadres also clashed with police while trying to breach the prohibited zone in Baneshwor.

Nearly a dozen NSU cadres were injured in the clash. Meanwhile, Naya Shakti Party-Nepal also staged a demonstration at Maitighar Mandala, demanding that the government begin fiscal year from the Nepali month of Baisakh, cancel prohibitory zone, guarantee fundamental rights and cultural heritages. NSP-N leader Hishila Yami accused the government of fueling corruption and imposing price hike. She further blamed the government of commercialising the education and health sectors.