POKHARA: A demonstration was held at the entrance of Pokhara International Airport, with over 250 participants rallying against Chinese interference under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The protest, led by Binay Yadav, President of Rastriya Ekta Abhiyan, saw the presence of Rajendra Lingden, Chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party, who engaged with protestors and listened to their demands.
Tika Kumari Chiring, District Vice President and Program Coordinator of the Pokhara Airport Campaign concluded the sit-in program focusing on Pokhara International Airport.
Lingden addressed the demonstrators advocating for making Pokhara International Airport fully operational, investigating airport corruption, and converting the BRI loan into a grant.
Binay Yadav emphasized these demands and handed over a memorandum to Lingden highlighting concerns about China’s involvement and the geopolitical implications for Nepal.
He stressed, “Nepal cannot afford high-interest loans from China. Investigations into fairness, conspiracy, and corruption during airport construction are crucial. High-interest loans should be converted into subsidies to ensure operational efficiency,” he said.
Slogans echoed through the demonstration, calling to “Free Pokhara International Airport from the Chinese debt trap, protect national independence, repeal the BRI agreement, and ensure full operational status.”
Responding to Yadav’s demands, Lingden expressed solidarity with the residents of Pokhara and pledged support.
The campaign also urged for clarity on Pokhara Airport’s BRI status, particularly requesting formal confirmation from the Chinese government that it is not part of the initiative.
The movement additionally stressed addressing debt issues, improving infrastructure, environmental considerations, local engagement, regulatory compliance, security measures, corruption prevention, and technical enhancements.
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