KATHMANDU: Nepal Teachers’ Federation President Laxmi Kishor Subedi has stated that no teacher will back down from the ongoing movement until the School Education Act is officially implemented.
Addressing the protesting teachers in Kathmandu’s Bijuli Bazaar area on Monday, Subedi emphasized that the movement would not falter. “Those in power may crumble and run away, but we will not tire or give up,” he said.
“Look at the thousands of teachers who have been standing firm on the front lines of this movement for the 27th day. We will not back down until the Education Act is implemented.”
Subedi accused the government of sending vigilantes to disrupt a peaceful demonstration in Baneshwor on Sunday, where a provocative act was carried out. He condemned the police’s actions, calling it an ‘undemocratic step’ and vowed that the teachers would not retreat under any circumstances.
“Sixty-five teachers were injured during the clash with the police on Sunday, and some of them returned to protest today,” Subedi noted.
“Teachers do not tire or give up. Yesterday, the police demonstrated brutal tactics. They sent in vigilantes, and the police used sticks and water cannons against us. Many of the injured have come to protest today despite their wounds.”
He declared that the movement would not stop, saying, “Not just 65, but 65,000 teachers are prepared to be injured for the Education Act. Let the government know that we will not leave the streets until the School Education Act is promulgated according to our demands.”
Subedi also addressed rumors aimed at dividing the teachers’ movement, stating, “There has been propaganda to create confusion, with shifting issues. But we have issued a 24-point agenda to the Government of Nepal, and that is our official document.”
He clarified that while the government might not be able to address all the issues immediately, the School Education Act must address key concerns, such as teacher stability.
“The government cannot resolve this issue on its own. It is the Act that will address teacher stability, not just the government,” Subedi concluded.
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