KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML has expressed serious objection to the arrest of seven student leaders, including All Nepal National Free Students’ Union (ANNFSU) President Deepak Dhami, and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the main opposition party condemned the government’s action, alleging that police used force to detain students who were staging a peaceful demonstration outside the southern gate of Singha Durbar.
According to UML Publicity Department Chief Niraj Acharya, those arrested include ANNFSU President Deepak Dhami, Jit Sitaula, Sudip Thapa, Bishal Khadka, Rabi Magar, Bishnu Uparkoti and Shirish Budhathoki.
The UML said the protest was organised against rising prices, the treatment of landless settlers and what it described as increasing state repression.
The party also accused the government of creating obstructions by allowing vehicles to be parked outside media houses, the residences of political leaders and business establishments in the capital.
In the statement, Acharya said the arrests constituted an infringement of citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The UML described the government’s action as contrary to democratic norms and human rights and called for the immediate and respectful release of all seven detained student leaders.
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