Maitighar turning into ‘Camping Demonstration’ site (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: Maitighar Mandala has become synonymous with the word demonstration. Several groups protest each day in this area. Sometimes even 3-4 groups demonstrate in the area. Some people reach the area for picket and some stand with placards. Some people reach the area for hunger strikes and some for sloganeering.

Protestors have been applying the ‘camping-demonstration’ technique in recent times. Mahabir Pun protested in favor of the National Innovation Centre on 28^th April (Baisakh 15). Pun and his supporters had spent the night under a tent. And this became a trend. Demonstrators started following the same path.

Demonstrators have been protesting in the afternoon and sleeping under tents in Maitighar. This has affected the beauty of Maitighar. The area is becoming dirty and stinky. At the present moment, seven groups of demonstrators are protesting and camping in the area. They prepare and eat the food in the morning, evening, and afternoon in the area. And sleep in the same place.

This has affected traffic mobility. One might feel like stepping into a Haat Bazaar after reaching Maitighar. With the increase in several protestors, there is also an increase in sanitation and waste management-related problems.

Demonstrators used to place their demands in the Khula Manch after the political reformation in 2047 B.S. People used to protest and share their ideas in Khula Manch. But, with the decision of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) of constructing a commercial building, the doors of Khula Manch were closed for demonstrations. Then, KMC started using the area for parking.

KMC has locked the gate by removing the bus park from that area. This fueled demonstrators to start their demonstrations in Maitighar Mandala.

Deepak Adhikari, the assistant Spokesperson of KMC, said, ‘The Constitution of Nepal has given the right to protest to every citizen, but camping demonstration is not practical. We will coordinate with the related authorities and take a concrete decision on the issue.’

SSP Dan Bahadur Karki, Chief of District Police Range Kathmandu said, ‘ It is the right of every citizen to raise the voice. But it is wrong to turn the city ugly by camping in the streets. The police will immediately vacant the area after getting orders from the related authorities and government.’

District Administration Office Kathmandu is serious regarding the issue. Khadag Bahadur Shrestha, the assistant CDO of Kathmandu, said, ‘We have been notified about the camping demonstration. We are serious regarding the issue. We will discuss with the CDO and take the appropriate decision.’

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)