KATHMANDU, April 13: Amid criticisms from various quarters including those from civil society and political groups, the prohibitory order enforced in the areas from Maitighar Mandala to Baneshwar in Kathmandu has been lifted with immediate effect.
The District Administration Office, Kathmandu, lifted the prohibitory order after five months. With the latest decision, citizens can now peacefully stage demonstrations and put forth their demands starting Saturday.
Last November, the CPN-UML's Youth Federation and the Durga Prasai group, supporting a royalist movement, had scheduled simultaneous demonstrations at Maitighar on November 23. Citing concerns over public transport and maintaining law and order in the capital, the administration imposed prohibitory orders.
The last prohibitory order on February 16 banned gatherings of more than five people in the area for two months and prohibited activities like processions, demonstrations, sit-ins, and meetings.
However, the Kathmandu district administration faced widespread criticism from civil society and political groups. There was significant protest against what was seen as the state’s attempt to silence citizens' voices in an area that had been used for years as a platform for expressing opinions.
Sources indicate that Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane instructed the DAO Kathmandu to lift the prohibitory order due to mounting pressure. Following the home minister’s instructions, the District Security Committee convened and decided to lift the prohibitory order.