KATHMANDU: Gen Z movement leader Rabi Kiran Hamal has expressed concern over an incident in Kathmandu’s Tripureshwor in which Arjun Dong of Kavre reportedly set himself on fire inside a public bus in an apparent attempt at self-immolation. Hamal has demanded an impartial investigation into the incident.
Dong reportedly set himself on fire while aboard public bus Ba. 5 Kha 4274 and was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment. His condition has reportedly been critical, with burns covering approximately 90 percent of his body.
A driving licence reportedly recovered from Dong bears the name of Dawa Lama. Hamal said the licence should not be used to establish the identity of the person involved in the incident.
Hamal urged authorities to look beyond the immediate circumstances of the fire, recalling the earlier incident involving Ganesh Nepali at the same location. He said the recurrence of another serious incident involving a citizen at Tripureshwor should serve as a significant warning to the state.
“The recurrence of the tragic incident involving Ganesh Nepali is a very serious and alarming warning for the state,” Hamal said.
He questioned why citizens are being pushed to the point of risking their lives to have their grievances, suffering and concerns heard. He also questioned who should be held accountable when shortcomings in state mechanisms leave citizens without timely and effective avenues to address their problems.
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