Hopes dashed

The Himalayan Times

19 July 2018

Hopes dashed

Soon after the country entered into federal structure and the leftist government with almost two-thirds majority took the political helm, people had high expectation from this change. Almost five months have passed for this federal government led by Prime Minister K.P.Oli.  There are no any specific and significant activities implemented directly benefiting the common people to be pointed out here except PM’s official visits to neighbouring countries.

Some of the recent unpopular and undemocratic acts of the government have gripped the nation and irritated the human rights organizations, civil society members, social activists and even its well wishers also. Among them was the government’s decision to ban protest at Maitighar Mandala and other key places in Kathmandu. Maitighar Mandala was the key place in the past also to express people’s concerns and show their solidarity against the government’s unpleasant and undemocratic acts.

A few days ago, Supreme Court had first passed the first stay order in a writ petition filed by senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi. This stay order has been continued by the SC on July 16 saying that such an order could not remain valid for more than two months after its announcement and appears to be in contravention of the existing state law “Supreme Court continues to stay ban on protests at Maitighar Mandala” (THT, Juky 17, Page 1). This second order of the SC has dealt a blow to the government for its high-handedness.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj