KATHMANDU: Janakpur Bolts’ victory in the inaugural season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) has been overshadowed by allegations of physical and verbal assaults on their supporters outside the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground.
The attacks, allegedly fueled by racial and communal biases, have sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders, civil society, and the Madhesi community.
Reports indicate that Janakpur supporters, many identifying as Madhesi, were targeted as they left the stadium after Janakpur defeated Sudurpaschim Royals to become the inaugural champions of the NPL.
One supporter sustained fractures in both arms, and several others required medical treatment at Bir Hospital. Victims have alleged that they were attacked due to their appearance and subjected to derogatory slurs, such as “dhoti”.
Prominent leaders have spoken out against the attacks. Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa condemned the incidents as deeply saddening and called for immediate government action.
“These acts cannot be accepted under any pretext. No ifs, no buts,” said Thapa, stating the need for legal accountability.
Dr CK Raut, Chair of the Janamat Party, expressed outrage over the attacks and accused state institutions of perpetuating systemic racism.
“The police were silent spectators when Janakpur supporters were beaten,” Raut said. He urged the government to take swift and strict action against those responsible.
The Madhesi Commission, in its statement, condemned the incidents as discriminatory and harmful to national unity. It recommended that the government take legal action against the perpetrators and underscored the need for societal change to eliminate communal biases.
Raut also stated the pervasive racism faced by the Madhesi community, linking it to systemic issues within Nepal’s governance and society.
“Rights and self-respect cannot be given; they must be fought for,” he said, calling for political awareness and unity among Madhesi youth.
The Madhesi Commission echoed these sentiments, stating that discriminatory attitudes toward the Madhesi community threaten the nation’s social fabric. It appealed to the government to address these biases and ensure equality.
The victims have lodged a formal complaint with the Kirtipur Police Circle. However, questions remain over the police response during the attacks.
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