POKHARA: Tensions flared in Pokhara on Friday as a dispute over the planned Kotihom religious event led to clashes between authorities and supporters of organizer Bijay Bhandari.
At least 13 people, including security personnel and journalists, were injured in the confrontation.
The Kotihom event was scheduled to begin at Barahi Ghat, but Pokhara Metropolitan City intervened, citing lack of official approval and ongoing legal proceedings over the site.
Municipal police were deployed to halt the Bhoomi Pujan (groundbreaking ceremony), sparking resistance from Bhandari’s supporters.
According to police, supporters attacked municipal personnel with iron rods and metal pieces. The injured were taken for medical treatment.
Escalating controversy
The Kotihom controversy has been brewing for weeks. Earlier this month, Bijay Bhandari, founder of the Manav Sewa Foundation, had declared that he was ready to commit “adharma” (wrongdoing) in the name of dharma (religion). His statement sparked widespread criticism.
Bhandari, who refers to himself as Bijay Krishna Murti Maharaj, insists that Kotihom cannot be relocated, citing the millions already spent on preparations. He accused the Pokhara Metropolitan City of deliberately trying to sabotage the event.
Pokhara Mayor Dhan Raj Acharya, however, has firmly opposed the event at Lakeside’s Barahi Ghat, arguing that it violates environmental regulations and city planning decisions.
Legal battle and environmental concerns
The Nepal Trust owns the proposed event site, and the foundation has reportedly paid Rs 1.15 million in rent for the land. However, Pokhara Metropolitan City had already filed a petition in the Pokhara High Court on February 24, seeking to halt the event.
The city’s Board Meeting unanimously decided to prohibit Kotihom at the site, citing its location within 65 meters of Fewa Lake, an area requiring environmental protection.
The city also criticized the foundation for cutting down trees in public spaces to build materials for the event. Authorities confiscated over 30 truckloads of wood.
Despite opposition from the municipality and legal hurdles, the Manav Sewa Foundation remains determined to hold a 45-day Kotihom event from April 29 to June 9.
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