KATHMANDU, April 22: The Nepali Congress (NC) has objected to the arrest of leaders from its student wing, the Nepal Student Union (NSU), and has called for their immediate release.
The leaders were detained after staging a protest at the Singha Durbar premises demanding the resignation of Home Minister Sudhan Gurung. According to party spokesperson Devaraj Chalise, those arrested include NSU central committee member Bhuwan Bhatt, along with student leaders Kumbhraj Deuba, Nabin Bista, Aakash Devkota, Sushil Aidi, and Bishal B.C., among others.
In a statement, the NC said that freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to protest are fundamental rights guaranteed in a democratic system, and it is the state’s constitutional and moral responsibility to protect them.
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The party said that arresting and detaining citizens for exercising their rights raises serious concerns about democratic values, the rule of law, and civil liberties.
It further stated that suppressing dissent and protest goes against the spirit of the constitution and democratic norms. “Nepali Congress firmly believes that dissent and protest are integral to democracy and should be addressed through dialogue and cooperation, not suppression,” the statement read.
The party has urged authorities to release the arrested NSU leaders unconditionally and ensure that citizens’ fundamental rights are not violated in the future.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Gurung had already resigned from his post on Wednesday.
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