KATHMANDU, APRIL 8
In the midst of an increasing number of demonstrations in the valley, pro-monarchists held another protest in less than two weeks here today.
Since the last few weeks, Kathmandu Valley has witnessed protests from various sectors, including education, health, electricity and cooperatives.
In the light of the disputed School Education Act, teachers continued their peaceful protest, while doctors have also taken to the streets claiming labour exploitation.
Following teachers' relentless protests in the valley since April 2, the government once again called teachers representatives to sit for table talk.
The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology issued a statement today requesting that teachers arrive at the ministry at 11:00 am on April 9.
Shiva Kumar Sapkota, the ministry's joint secretary and spokesperson, stated that the government is committed to resolving the issue through dialogue and discussion.
In the meantime, resident doctors from the Nepal Medical College (NMC) in Jorpati staged a protest at Maitighar Mandala on Sunday. However, the NMC administration threatened to take action against the protesting resident doctors.
On Tuesday, the college's department heads, managing director, principal, and hospital director met and decided to take action against the resident doctors who were absent without notice.
Similarly, a protest was held in Maitighar, calling for Kulman Ghising's reinstatement as executive director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). On Sunday afternoon, supporters of Kulman held a peaceful demonstration in Maitighar Mandala while carrying his photographs.
On the other hand, following a deadly pro-monarchist protest in Tinkune in which two people were killed, including a journalist, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), the fifth largest party in parliament, held another demonstration in Balkhu, Kathmandu, today.
RPP-the only pro-monarchy party in parliament, which advocates for the restoration of the monarchy in the capital-organised a protest rally in Kathmandu on the same day that Nepal's partyless Panchayat system was abolished thirty-five years ago, claiming that thousands of people would attend the protest.
Officials had said that more than 2,000 security personnel were deployed for the rally as police faced widespread criticism for using excessive lethal force. The police have admitted that 20 people were injured due to shooting in Tinkune.
The RPP had written to the local administration, preparing to organise a protest at Bhrikuti Mandap in the capital.
However, the Kathmandu District Security Committee meeting proposed alternative venues, keeping in mind security sensitivities, noting that various groups, including teachers and cooperatives, were holding separate events in the area.
RPP leaders chose the location for their protest rally after the District Administration Office suggested Sifal Chaur or Balkhu in the capital.
The party leaders spent the majority of their speeches criticising the government and the leaders who have taken power several times since the republic's inception.
Leaders demanded the release of party leaders, including senior vice-president Rabindra Mishra and General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana, who were arrested following a violent protest organised by Durga Prasain on March 28.
Police are investigating both of them for crimes including treason. According to reports, police have nabbed over 160 people in connection with the Tinkune demonstration's violence, vandalism, and looting.
RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden spent the majority of his speech discussing the reasons for the violence that erupted during the Tinkune demonstration on March 28 and the situation since then.
He stated that his party is opposed to all forms of violence and that the Tinkune incident was 'pre-planned'. "It is the responsibility of the current Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Police Chief. Are the bullets and tear gas shells we discovered fake? Did Durga Prasain bring them with him?"
"There should be an independent investigation into the Tinkune incident. A judicial commission should be established. This should not be a commission of government officials but rather an independent and impartial group of former Supreme Court judges, civil society leaders, and human rights activists. The perpetrators should be exposed," Lingden stated.
During the demonstration, former RPP chair Pashupati Shamsher Rana stated that the country is plagued by misrule and rampant corruption.
"The country is riddled with misrule and widespread corruption. Good governance and honesty are critical for the country's progress. However, current leaders have left no stone unturned, derailing countries progress," said Rana. "Furthermore, the current government has taken control of our leaders and committed cruel acts. An impartial commission should be formed to look into the Tinkune incident."
