Kathmandu, June 16

Dr Govinda KC, senior orthopaedic surgeon at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, today staged demonstration at Maitighar Mandala, demanding that the government lift the ban on holding protest rallies there.

District Administration Office, Kathmandu, on April 15 had imposed a ban on holding protest rallies and demonstrations at Maitighar Mandala following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has designated  seven locations for holding demonstrations. Protesters  can demonstrate only at Open Air Theatre (Khulamanch), Tinkune,  Bhuinkhel Chaur of Bhagwanpau, playground at Pepsicola, Sano Gaucharan  Ground, open space in front of the Social Welfare Council at Lainchaur  and Siphal Chaur.

Accusing the government of being anti-democratic, Dr KC said the government move violated people’s right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

“In a democracy, people have the right to raise their voice against the government. By placing a ban on holding protests at Maitighar Mandala, the government has violated citizen’s fundamental rights,” said Dr KC.

Maitighar Mandala has become a popular site for holding demonstrations.

Dr KC also demanded that the government immediately present the bill to replace the Medical Education Ordinance in the Parliament. Similarly, he also demanded that common medical entrance for MBBS and BDS studies be held only after giving full shape to Medical Education Commission.

Likewise, he has demanded that the government return the rights of Institute of Medicine and scrap Scholarship Management and Mobilisation Procedure.

Dr KC has also demanded action against 43 people involved in irregularities in the medical sector as recommended by the Medical Education Probe Committee and has demanded formulation and implementation of laws to stop violence against doctors.