Protests continue at Basantapur area; President's programme cancelled
Dispute within two groups of Newar community has led to further tension at
New Road area in Kathmandu Monday regarding closing ceremony of the Indra
Jatra festival.
A group of people from Newar community resumed protests in Kathmandu today
expressing dissatisfaction over the agreement reached between government
and the Jatra organisers Sunday evening. With the assurance from the
government to provide funding for Jatra and support to all rituals, the
protests were called off after three days.
New Road and surrounding marketplaces remain closed down due the protests.
The protesters say they were not involved in the negotiation process with
the government and that proceedings have been closed with one-sided
decision. They also complained that the police 'dismantled' the chariot at
Basantapur.
The protesters vandalised a few vehicles in New Road and Jamal area. To
end the dispute, both the sides have agreed to sit for talks.
Meanwhile, due to continued conflict, the programme of President Dr Ram
Baran Yadav receiving tika from Kumari, scheduled for today, has been
cancelled.
President Yadav is scheduled to fly to his hometown, Dhanusha, later today. nepalnews.com ia Sep 22 08
