Areas surrounding Basantapur in the capital wore a tense look on Saturday following protests against the budget. The local Newar community took to streets in the capital citing the government did not allocate appropriate budget for cultural festivals. The government has decided not to provide funds to Kaushitoshakhana from the state coffers for animal sacrifices during the upcoming Dashain festival.
They said the government has slashed the regular budget for Bali Puja of Indra Jatra.
Vehicular movement has been obstructed at New Road, Basantapur, Sahid Gate, Kalimati, Ason and Bhimsenthan due to demonstrations. Shops have been shut down as well.
Although the police personnel fired several tear gas shells and baton-charged, protests continued.
The demonstrators torched five booths from which the municipality collects revenue from the tourists.
In course of protests, the demonstrators and the police personnel clashed several times. At least seven protestors and two police personnel have been injured.
In a bid to resolve the problem, the government and the agitators are currently holding talks.
The Newar community had launched agitation from yesterday itself shortly after the announcement of the budget.
While the protests continue, Minister for Finance Dr Baburam Bhattarai has got infuriated with Acting Prime Minister Bamdev Gautam for not containing the situation at Basantapur.
Shortly after bidding goodbye to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Minister Bhattarai told Gautam, in an angered tone, that he will not stay quiet if the situation at Basantapur is not taken under control.
Acting Prime Minister Gautam, then, gave strict direction to IGP Hem Bahadur Gurung to contain the tensed situation.
Source: hamropalo.com
