DHANGADHI: Tension erupted in Dhangadhi’s market area on Sunday when protesting students removed flags put up by the Nepali Congress to welcome its President Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The situation escalated into a physical confrontation after youths from Tarun Dal and Nepali Sangh, affiliated with the Nepali Congress, attempted to retaliate against the protesters.
The students have been protesting for a week, demanding changes to the controversial bill to make provisions regarding the formation, operation and conditions of service of the Sudurpaschim Province local level, which they claim disproportionately benefits contract employees at the local level.
The bill, which the Far West government introduced, proposes allowing certain temporary employees to take internal exams for permanent positions. However, critics argue it will favor a limited number of employees, leaving others disadvantaged.
The dispute began when students, frustrated with the government’s inaction on their demands, tore down the flags erected by the Nepali Congress in anticipation of President Deuba’s visit.
The flag removal sparked anger among Tarun Dal and Nepali Sangh members, who viewed it as an attack on political etiquette and responded aggressively, even attempting to physically assault the protesters.
The clash between the protesters and party youth wings has raised concerns of further violence. Santosh Raj Joshi, General Secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party Sudurpaschim, condemned the attack on students, stating that while removing flags might have been a mistake, it should not have resulted in violent retaliation.
Nepali Congress, however, maintains that the flags were intended solely for the welcome ceremony of party leaders arriving for the Far West conference and requested that they not be removed. The Nepali Congress party is planning to host a grand rally in Dhangadhi to mark the event, with Sher Bahadur Deuba set to arrive on Monday.
Sudurpaschim Province’s Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah has met with student and political representatives to discuss the concerns surrounding the bill. However, no resolution has been reached, and protests continue.
Meanwhile, political leaders, including MP Man Bahadur Dhami, have raised concerns in the Provincial Assembly about the growing protests and the government’s failure to address the issues raised by employees and students.
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