The District Administration Office (DAO), Kathmandu, has issued a prohibitory order restricting protests and gatherings in sensitive areas of the capital for the next two months. The order prohibits sit-ins, protests, demonstrations, rallies, and assemblies near key government offices, including the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches, as well as VIP residential areas and Singha Durbar, the country’s main administrative center.
Chief District Officer (CDO) Rishiram Tiwari stated that the decision aligns with international practices and past court rulings. He emphasized that such events often lead to vandalism, arson, clashes, and disruptions to public services, transport, and overall law and order.
Effective from Sunday, March 9, the order bans gatherings of five or more people for protests or rallies in front of government and judicial offices such as Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, the Office of the Auditor General, the Department of Archaeology, and the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. Similarly, restrictions apply near the official residences of the President in Sheetal Niwas, the Vice President, the Prime Minister in Baluwatar, the National Assembly Chairman, and the Chief Justice.
The prohibitory order also covers other sensitive locations, including Bhadrakali Temple, Padhmodaya School, Anamnagar area, Hanumanthan Mandir, and the central office of Nepal Rastra Bank. The order will remain in effect for two months to maintain public order and ensure the smooth functioning of essential services. -- RSS
