Nepali Congress protests detention of student leaders

Kathmandu. The Nepali Congress has expressed strong objection to the detention of Nepal Students Union leaders. Congress spokesperson Devraj Chalise issued a statement condemning the arrest and detention of Central Committee member Bhuvan Bhatta, along with student leaders Kumbharaj Deuba, Nabin Bista, Akash Devkota, Sushil Aidi, and Bishal BC.

Spokesperson Chalise stated that in a democratic system, freedom of speech and expression, the right to peaceful movement, and the freedom to express dissent are fundamental rights of citizens, and it is the state's constitutional and moral duty to respect and protect these rights.

Chalise noted that arresting and detaining citizens for exercising these rights raises serious questions about the basic values of democracy, the rule of law, and the guarantee of civil liberties. 'The government's style of controlling and suppressing dissent is contrary to democratic norms and the spirit of the Constitution,' the spokesperson wrote in the statement. 'The Nepali Congress firmly believes that dissent and protest are integral parts of democracy, which should be addressed through dialogue and cooperation, not suppression.'

He has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the arrested student leaders and urged the government to stop any future encroachment on citizens' fundamental rights.

They were arrested by police on Tuesday while protesting inside Singha Durbar.