Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 26:

The government today released some political and student leaders detained after the February 1 move as per the Supreme Court’s order issued yesterday. The CPN-UML standing committee member and former minister Keshav Badal and youth leader of Nepali Congress Chandra Bhandari were released after being produced before the Kathmandu District Court.

Other leaders, including former minister Mod Nath Prashrit, Hemanta BC, Tanka Rai, Rishi Kattel, Dambar Shrestha, Mahendra Katila and Gopalmani Acharya were released after being produced before the Bhaktapur District Court. A division bench of apex court justices Khil Raj Regmi and Balram KC had yesterday ordered the government authorities, including the Home Ministry and Police Headquarters, to release the detainees in the presence of the judges.

Two student leaders, Thakur Gaire and Pradeep Paudel, were also released after being produced before the Lalitpur District Court.

After being released, the UML leader, Badal said that since the parties have already launched a movement for the restoration of full democracy, they would not compromise with the King at any cost. “Unless the rights of the people are restored we would not stop the movement,” he said, adding, “Only full democracy can ensure people’s rights, therefore, there is no alternative than to fight for its achievement.” Badal also urged the citizens to join the agitation for the restoration of full democracy and achieve their rights. NC youth leader Bhandari said citizens have to think about their rights at a time when they have to choose between their rights or the King’s personal desire. “The leaders of political parties will never compromise with the King,” he added. “There is no way but to launch a protest to seek full democracy in the country.”