The local administration in Kathmandu has implemented a ban on protests involving more than five individuals at Tribhuvan International Airport and its vicinity starting from Friday. The District Administration Office (DAO), Kathmandu, issued a prohibitory order to prevent protest activities such as hunger strikes, sit-ins, gherao, rallies, demonstrations, and assemblies with more than five participants within the airport premises for a month. The restricted area includes various sections within the airport compound like the main entrance gate, domestic and international terminal areas, parking zones, and other locations.
The DAO highlighted the sensitivity of the international airport and its surroundings as the reason behind the ban. It expressed concerns that protests could escalate into vandalism, arson, and other disruptive activities, potentially leading to clashes, mob violence, and disturbances affecting essential services, public property, and overall peace and security. Despite the prohibition at the airport, the local administration affirmed its commitment to upholding citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression in other areas as per the Constitution of Nepal.
Organizers planning protests in other locations are required to give advance notice, as stated by the DAO. Additionally, the DAO warned that any harm or damage to government, public, or private property during protests will be evaluated under the law, and the responsible parties will be held accountable for compensating the losses incurred.
