KATHMANDU: Leading the ‘Rashtra Bachau Mahaabhiyan’ movement, medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai has dismissed rumors of a Kathmandu strike on Friday.

Instead, the campaign has opted for a peaceful demonstration in Tinkune, Kathmandu, starting from tomorrow.

In response to these rumors, Prasai addressed the public during a press conference on Thursday evening, dispelling the notion of a planned shutdown.

He stated, “We have not called for the closure of Kathmandu tomorrow. Enjoy your meal at 11 o’clock and head to Tinkune.”

Prasai clarified, “We have not called for any strike on Friday. People will voluntarily join the campaign.”

Prasai further clarified that a continuous program is scheduled to take place in Kathmandu starting tomorrow.

However, he emphasized that there is no intention to initiate a shutdown.

He encouraged the residents of Kathmandu to attend the program after closing their shops, assuring them that no shutdown program has been devised.

The inaugural day witnessed a demonstration in Balkhu, where the campaign declared their intention to continue protests in Tinkune. A close associate of Prasai stated that the Tinkune demonstration is scheduled to commence at 11 a.m. on Friday.

Simultaneously, the campaign led by Prasai asserted that their Balkhu protest on Thursday was infiltrated, leading to clashes and subsequent police repression. Hari Karki, a campaign member, reported instances of intrusion and police suppression during two clashes on Thursday afternoon.

In these confrontations, 26 individuals from the campaign sustained injuries, with one person in critical condition. The injured are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. Karki announced plans for a press conference to address the alleged police repression, stating, “We sensed an intrusion in our demonstration. The police repression went beyond acceptable limits. We will hold a press conference to expose this.”

The clashes in Balkhu unfolded in two phases on Thursday. Initially, a skirmish occurred between Durga Prasai supporters and Yuwa Sangh supporters, followed by another confrontation with the police a few minutes later. Subsequently, the police resorted to firing tear gas to regain control of the situation.

Efforts to impede the protesters’ movement from Balkhu Chowk towards Kalimati led to escalated tensions, prompting the police to utilize dozens of tear gas canisters and water cannons. The incident resulted in injuries to some police officers, underscoring the intensity of the clashes in Balkhu.