KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 14
The Chief Representative of JICA Nepal Office was injured after a group of demonstrators pelted a stone at him as he passed by them in his car in Kathmandu today. His car was also damaged.
According to a press release issued by the Embassy of Japan, the right of peaceful demonstration is considered a part of the freedom of expression that is the fundamental tenet of democracy. However, when it becomes an act of violence, it is nothing more than a criminal offence.
As many people of Nepal know that Japan has assisted in Nepal's democratic progress and development as its sincere friend. And it is JICA that has played a key role to that end. It is extremely regrettable that its representative was injured in this incident.
The Government of Nepal has been promoting foreign tourism and foreign direct investment.
However, the fact that an incident like this took place in the midst of such efforts goes against it. We have alerted Japanese nationals residing in Nepal to avoid similar incidents.
A version of this article appears in the print on September 15, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
