Kathmandu, August 12

The Kathmandu District Administration Office has declared some of the areas in Kathmandu as prohibited zones 'in view of security sensitivity' with effect from today.

A notice issued by the DAO said Chief District Officer Ram Krishna Subedi issued the order in accordance with Clause 6(3) of the Local Administration Act, 1971 on the recommendation district security committee. The areas declared as prohibited are the road leading to Bishalnagar, Hadigaun and Gahana Pokhari in the east, Ganesh Temple in the north, Gairhidhara Chowk in the west and from Naxal-based Nepal Telecom Office to the road leading to Bal Mandir in the south of Kathmandu-5.

The notice said the prohibitory order will be effective until further notice. No person or group will be allowed to stage protest or assembly in the prohibited areas. "Any one acting in contravention of the order will be brought to book under the laws," it warned.

Though the notice has not categorically mentioned the name of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, the DAO seems to have issued the prohibitory order keeping in mind the security of the Tangal-based office of the anti-graft constitution body which is surrounded by the four corners of the prohibited zones.

Last month, some youth groups, in a show of solidarity with Dr Govinda KC of TU Teaching Hospital, had staged a demonstration in front of the CIAA office, demanding impeachment of CIAA office-bearers.