Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 25:

The Nepal Students’ Union affiliated to the Nepali Congress today organised a 15-minute sit-in programme at Maitidevi Chowk to protest against the February 1 move, while another Nepal Students’ Union affiliated to NC (D) is set to organise a protest rally from Maitidevi tomorrow.

The protesters with black bands wrapped around their heads demanded the government restore press freedom, guarantee human rights, release the prisoners of conscience and reinstate the rule of law among others.

Dozens of students including union acting-president Badri Pandey, vice-president Mahendra Sharma, joint-general secretary Tek Raj Poudel, treasurer Badri Aryal and central committee members were present at the programme.

Meanwhile, Nepal Students’ Union affiliated to the Nepali Congress (Democratic) has announced a protest rally against the royal move from Maitidevi tomorrow afternoon.

According to Kalyan Gurung, joint-general secretary of the union, the rally would start from Maitidevi Chowk at around 4 pm and march to New Baneshwor for a mass meeting. Gurung said the union has demanded restoration of press freedom, removal of security forces from the educational institutions and immediate dismissal of the ‘unconstitutional’ Royal Commission for Corruption Control.

The union has also expressed grave concern over the proposed ordinance to amend some Nepal acts regarding the media. The union said the ordinance intended to curb press freedom.

“We strongly oppose the proposed draconian ordinance that is intended to fulfill the autocratic desires of the monarch by curbing the press,” states a press statement issued by the union today.