DAO Kathmandu Issues Month-Long Prohibitory Order In and Around TIA

The Kathmandu District Administration Office (DAO) has imposed a prohibitory order in and around Tribhuvan International Airport effective Friday, February 13, the day monarchist groups have reportedly planned to escort former King Gyanendra Shah to his residence upon his arrival in Kathmandu from Jhapa.

In a notice issued on Thursday, February 12, the administration said the order was enforced in view of the possibility that protest activities such as sit-ins, encirclements, rallies, demonstrations and assemblies in and around a highly sensitive area like the international airport could trigger vandalism, arson and other unruly acts by an agitated crowd. Such incidents, it said, could lead to clashes, confrontations, riots or unrest, severely affecting essential services, public service delivery, public transport, public property and overall law and order.

The order prohibits gatherings of more than five people for protest activities, including sit-ins, hunger strikes, encirclements, rallies, demonstrations and assemblies, within the entire premises of Tribhuvan International Airport. The restriction covers all roads inside the airport compound from the Golden Gate entrance, as well as the domestic terminal, international terminal and parking areas. The prohibitory order will remain in force for one month.

In a separate notice issued the same day, Chief District Officer Eshwor Raj Poudel said the administration had taken note of statements and social media posts by certain groups and political parties regarding demonstrations, gatherings and rallies planned at and around the airport on Friday. He clarified that no one had informed the DAO or sought prior approval to hold such programmes.

The administration stated that no such activities can take place while the election code of conduct is in force. It also cited the sensitivity of the airport area and the possibility of infiltration by groups opposed to the upcoming elections as reasons for the decision.

A similar event last year saw a large crowd of monarchist supporters escort the former king to his residence.

Nepal is scheduled to hold elections to the 275-member House of Representatives on March 5, following its dissolution in the aftermath of Gen Z-led protests in September last year.

The DAO also said the decision was aimed at maintaining law and order and ensuring smooth vehicular and pedestrian movement in one of the most sensitive areas of the Valley, particularly with Mahashivaratri festival on Sunday. Thousands of devotees gather at the nearby Pashupatinath Temple to worship Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of the Hindu Trinity.

The administration has warned that anyone found involved in unlawful activities within the restricted and sensitive areas will face legal action.