UML declares all protest participants in Pokhara as offenders

Kathmandu, October 24 — The ruling party, the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), has expressed serious concern regarding the unwarranted activities being conducted by the Rashtriya Swatantra Party and various other organizations and individuals in Pokhara.

In a press release on Thursday, the UML stated that gathering more than five individuals to obstruct public servants from performing their legally mandated duties constitutes an offense in itself. It noted that all parties should be vigilant regarding the legal provision that considers anyone disobeying police requests to refrain from attending such gatherings as an offender.

"Engaging in discussions linked to the government and its leadership, and actions that unduly influence the processes of investigation and prosecution, are inappropriate from a judicial perspective. The Constitution identifies the duties of every citizen to abide by it and the law, and all must comply with and ensure compliance with the law. The National Penal Code stipulates that if a person holding a public office is obstructed in the performance of their duties or is compelled to undertake any unlawful actions, such conduct is deemed punishable.

Gathering more than five individuals to prevent public servants from performing their legally mandated duties is an offense in itself. The presence of a member of the federal parliament at such an offense, and inciting others to commit such an act, is entirely illegal. All parties must be cognizant of the legal framework that deems anyone disobeying police requests to refrain from participating in such gatherings as an offender," the release stated.