Nepal government warns people not to participate in protests, says solution through dialogue not agitation

Kathmandu: Nepal’s Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal on Saturday called all the stakeholders concerned to sit for a dialogue with the caretaker government instead of organising street protests ahead of the March 5 general election.

The Home Ministry also warned the general public that protest activities announced through social media could be infiltrated by elements “seeking to create instability.”

“The government is always ready for dialogue and discussion to sort out problems,” Home Minister Aryal said while talking to media persons after holding a crucial meeting with chiefs of various security agencies.

The high level security meeting, held in the presence of Prime Minister Sushila Karki at her official residence, Baluwatar, comes days after she met with representatives of major political parties to discuss preparations for the general elections and security issues.

The minister’s appeal comes at a time when different groups are frequently organising protests with various demands.

“The government addresses the political demand, so dialogue is imperative. There is no need to take to the street. It is essential to be aware of others' rights while exercising one's own rights,” Home Minister Aryal reminded.

“The Home Ministry has urged all sides not to be involved in damages of public and private property. We request all the political forces and agitating groups not to wage violent activities,” said Aryal.

He said that the security meeting made a thorough assessment of the present security situation of the country. “The government is committed to creating an atmosphere conducive to the March 5 election with the normalisation of security.”

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry, in a statement, urged the general public to refrain from participating in sit-ins, rallies, and protest programmes announced through social media, warning that such activities could be infiltrated by elements seeking to create instability.

The ministry said it had taken serious note of the growing number of online calls for agitation from various groups and cautioned that such activities could lead to unrest and disrupt public order.

A group led by medical professional Durga Prasai, a known pro-monarchist, announced through media to intensify protests after Deepawali and Chhath festival to restore monarchy and a Hindu state in Nepal.

According to the ministry, the caretaker government — formed after the Gen Z movement — is focused on preparations for the March 5 general elections, including amending election laws, coordinating resources, and holding consultations with political parties.

On October 21, Karki had, for the first time since the formation of the caretaker government last month, met with representatives of major political parties to discuss preparations for the general elections and security issues.

Attended by prominent leaders of several political parties of the dissolved House of Representatives, the meeting saw Karki seeking cooperation from all the political parties in conducting free and fair elections.

The leaders urged the government to create a conducive environment for elections.

Karki, 73, became Nepal's first woman prime minister on September 12 after the ouster of then Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli following youth-led 'Gen Z' protests against the government over corruption and a ban on social media.

On Wednesday, Karki said that the interim government is committed to holding the March 5 general election in a free and fair manner.

“We are responsible for addressing the legitimate voices of Gen Z in line with the Constitution. The government will create an environment where Nepalis can vote without fear, strengthening democracy, advancing prosperity, and safeguarding citizens’ rights,” she said while speaking at an event in Bhaktapur.