Kathmandu, December 22

Various organisations today condemned the mistreatment of President Bidhya Devi Bhandari by cadres of the United Democratic Madhesi Front during her visit to Janaki temple and demanded action against the miscreants.

Issuing a press statement here today, Nepal University Teachers Association said such an act was an attack on democracy.

According to the statement, the Central Committee meeting of NUTA on Saturday decided to urge the government to take action against the miscreants.

Similarly, National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders also condemned the mistreatment of President Bhandari.

A press statement issued by the organisation today said all women rights activists were shocked and saddened by such uncivilised behaviour. “The disrespect shown to a woman by ‘purifying’ the temple premises and stating that the entry of a ‘widow’ had polluted the temple is very shameful,” said Bishnu Neupane, secretary of NAWHRD.

“If the Head of State is given such treatment, one cannot imagine the condition of other single women living in various parts of the country.

We believe that the mistreatment of the President is a disrespect shown to women across the world,” Neupane added. “This incident is in no way a political protest but a show of ugly male chauvinistic mentality,” quoted the statement.

NAWHRD has also urged the government to take action against the miscreants involved in the Janakpur incident.

It has also urged other organisations to raise their voice against the mistreatment if the President.