Police Remove Months-Old Tents from Maitighar Mandala

Dragon Media News Desk

Police removed tents that had been set up for months at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu early Wednesday. The action was taken after those staying there failed to comply with repeated requests not to remain in tents overnight.

According to police, staying in tents at the site during the night posed security risks and could also create health-related problems. Police clarified, however, that daytime sit-ins, demonstrations and other programmes at Maitighar have not been restricted.

The move follows incidents in which one person participating in a sit-in at Maitighar attempted self-immolation last month, while another individual reportedly tried to do the same. Police said restrictions on overnight stays were introduced to prevent possible further incidents and maintain security.

Police had made public announcements on Tuesday asking people not to stay overnight in tents at Maitighar. After the tents remained in place, police personnel were deployed early Wednesday to clear the area.