KATHMANDU: The National Gen-Z Citizen Campaign has accused police of mistreatment of its activists and alleged political interference after demonstrators were taken into custody near the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
In a statement issued on Monday, the campaign said its members had gone to distribute pamphlets peacefully, expressing views that Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh are integral parts of Nepal. During the demonstration, police reportedly detained activists including Ajay Sodari, Prakash Bam, Sujan Paudel and Stul James Nepali and kept them at the Kathmandu Police Circle, Lainchaur.
The group alleged that around an hour after their detention, former Home Minister and MP Sudan Gurung entered the detention area along with a group and verbally intimidated the activists.
According to the campaign, Gurung allegedly questioned their affiliation and issued warnings such as “this is your last chance” and told them to stop speaking against the government and police.
The campaign claimed that the intervention of a political figure inside the detention facility amounted to pressure, intimidation, and a violation of democratic norms and the rule of law.
It also alleged that detainees were held for around 24 hours without adequate food and drinking water, raising concerns of human rights violations.
The group has called for an impartial investigation into the incident, disclosure of the facts surrounding alleged political interference in custody, and action against those responsible. It has also urged the government to prevent the misuse of police administration for political purposes and to ensure protection of peaceful expression and democratic rights.
In a statement signed by coordinator Sunil Singh and co-coordinator Ajay Sodari, the campaign emphasized that citizens’ rights to expression and peaceful protest must be safeguarded in a democratic system.
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