The state has tried to crackdown the proposed general strike beginning tomorrow by arresting political leaders as well as leaders of various professional associations.
At least three dozens of political leaders have been arrested from their homes while 37 professionals including journalists, lawyers, teachers and doctors have been arrested from New Baneshwor.
The arrested professionals, including Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) president Bishnu Nisthuri, general secretary Mahendra Bista, secretary Balram Baniya, former president Harihar Birahi, South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) president Gopal Thapaliya, were arrested while trying to organize a peaceful protest rally. The government yesterday has issued a notice banning the public gathering in the core areas of the capital city.
The protest rally was organized by the Professional Alliance for Peace and Democracy Nepal (PAPAD). Bloggers Ujjwal Acharya, Deepak Adhikari and Tilak Pathak met the professionals at the police station in New Baneshwor.
Thapaliya is carrying shoulder injury. The professionals and police had a minor scuffle at Baneshwor where the professional gathered to begin the rally. Although police had told the journalists they were free to walk out, they hadn’t. They are demanding the release of all other professionals which the state had denied.
Other arrested professionals include president of Nepal Bar Association Shambhu Thapa, former doctors Kedar Narshingh KC, Madhu Ghimire and Mahesh Maskey. The PAPAD has planned rallies this evening protesting the arrests.
The District Administration Office, Kathmandu and District Administration Office, Lalitpur have issued separate special notices today prohibiting any activities that could disturb the law and order situation like gathering, procession and sit-in in the areas within the ring-road of Kathmandu Metropolis and Lalitpur Sub-Metropolis, with effect from April 5. The prohibition will remain effective until further notice.
National News Agency’s news item on yesterday’s prohibitory order:
The District Administration Office, Kathmandu and District Administration Office, Lalitpur have issued separate special notices today prohibiting any activities that could disturb the law and order situation like gathering, procession and sit-in in the areas within the ring-road of Kathmandu Metropolis and Lalitpur Sub-Metropolis, with effect from April 5. The prohibition will remain effective until further notice.
The prohibitory orders have been issued as per the Local Administration Act-2028 B.S. in view of the possibility of such meetings, processions and sit-in leading to hooliganism and thereby violating the law and order, creating obstructions to others and having an adverse impact on public health, it is stated.
In view of the increasing rate of terrorist and other untoward and anarchical acts taking place since the past few days in some parts of Kathmandu and Lalitpur, the subsequent feeling of insecurity and disorder in public life and statements by the terrorists calling for active support, cooperation and participation in the said programmes to be organized by the seven political parties from April 6 to 9, the step had to been taken as such activities, if not immediately checked, could cause damage to public life and property, it is stated in the notice.
United We Blog 