Kathmandu, June 11

Lawmakers from the main opposition Nepali Congress and Samajwadi Party-Nepal, a coalition partner of the Federal government, today criticised the Guthi (Trust) Bill and the government’s use of force against protesting Guthiyars (trustees) in Maitighar Mandala, on Sunday.

NC lawmaker Rajendra KC and SPN lawmaker Rajendra Shrestha in the House of Representatives today said protesters had demonstrated peacefully against some provisions in the Guthi Bill on Sunday, but the police unjustifiably used force against them. “If the Guthi Bill is enacted into law, it will destroy the sanatan (ancient) traditions of Nepal,”

KC said. Responding to lawmakers in the HoR, Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa defended the use of force against protesters at Maitighar Mandala.

Home Minister Thapa said the police on Sunday used force against protesters as they obstructed movement of people and vehicles in Maitighar Mandala and started pelting stones at police.

“Police had no option but to use force against unruly protesters who threw stones at the police and vehicles,” said Thapa, adding that protesters had not abided by the principles of peaceful protest.

Thapa said he was saddened by the incident in which some police personnel and protesters were injured.

He added Kathmandu police were investigating the incident and the government was ready to take action against those found guilty of any wrongdoings.