Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 23:

Most of the educational institutions across the nation remained closed today because of the one-day general strike called by the seven student unions as part of their protest against regression and police atrocities.

However, the Kathmandu College of Management conducted its classes smoothly and the examinations were also held peacefully throughout the nation. The students had promised not to disturb the ongoing yearly examinations of certificate and bachelor’s level. The strike was a protest against the arrest of 11 student leaders under preventive detention who were later released before the students’ ultimatum of April 23.

Gagan Kumar Thapa, general-secretary of Nepal Students Union said that unless the youths are involved in the movement, the nation cannot be free from autocratic rule. “However our intention is not to disrupt education for long periods,” he said.

Students today pelted stones at police in front of Ratna Rajya Multiple Campus, Balmiki Bidyapeeth, Biswhobhasa Campus, Pashupati Multiple Campus and Sanothimi Campus as part of their protest programme. The students also organised half-an-hour chakkajam in front of Min Bhawan Campus and burnt tyres and wooden logs. They also announced prohibitory orders for the police in front of Amrit Science College and Padmakanya Campus.

Bhakta Gurung, vice-president of All Nepal National Free Students Union, KP Acharya, Bharat Dulal, Ambar Khadka, Prakash Dulal and former vice-president Arun Nepal were arrested at New Road. Minbhawan FSU chairman Kamal Raj Sunwar was injured in the clash with police. Similarly, 15 students of NSU including Srijana Adhikary, former member of NSU were badly injured during the clashes at Padma Kanya Campus and were undergoing treatment at Miteri Hospital and Kathmandu Model Hospital. Journalist Basanta Raj ‘Agyat’ of Sathi Publication was also hurt. They also organised a torch rally at Kirtipur this evening.

The students have announced Pokhara Bandh on April 25. A mini referendum at Prithivi Narayan Campus will be organised on April 26. Similarly, signatures will be collected on a 500 metre cloth in favour of a republican set-up at Mahendrapul on April 27. The students will announce more programmes tomorrow. Thakur Gaire, secretary of All Nepal National Free Students Union said that our next programme will be more effective.