Minor force was used on Maitighar sit-in: Minister Thapa

KATHMANDU: Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa admitted that the security personnel used minor force on the demonstration staged against Guthi Bill at Maitighar Mandala  on Sunday.

Police intervened in the protest after agitators disrupted the public transport.

Speaking at a House meeting on Tuesday, Home Minister Thapa said so adding that the government, however, has no intention to suppress the fundamental rights of the citizens.

“We used minor force including water cannon on the demonstration at Maitighar Mandala after the protesters continued disrupting public transport without paying heed to our request not to block the road,” admitted Minister Thapa while answering the questions raised by lawmakers.

“Every citizen can stage a peaceful demonstration but the Constitution does not allow them to pelt stones and bricks at security forces. It is not a democratic norm,” clarified  Thapa.

He further said that the government will take moral responsibility of the incident and investigate it.

Nepali Congress lawmakers had disrupted the parliament meeting on Monday, seeking Home Minister Thapa’s response on Maitighar incident.