CPN UML Demands Unconditional Release of Seven Student Leaders Arrested During Protest

Kathmandu. CPN UML has demanded the government to immediately release unconditionally seven student leaders including Aneraswawiyu Chairman Deepak Dhami arrested during the protest.

General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, issuing a statement on Wednesday, stated that the party has taken serious note of the government's brutal repression and arrest of students who were protesting peacefully in front of Singha Durbar Gate raising issues of public concern against the soaring price hikes, atrocities on landless citizens and a series of state terrorism rampant in the country.

Police arrested Aneraswawiyu Central Chairman Deepak Dhami, leaders Jit Sitoula, Sudeep Thapa, Vishal Khadka, Ravi Magar, Vishnu Upreti and Shirish Budhathoki while they were protesting symbolically against the incident of creating state-protected obstruction by parking vehicles at the communication houses, residences and offices of political leaders and businessmen in the capital.

'This cowardly attitude shown by the government by curtailing the constitutional right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression of citizens is a direct violation of democracy and human rights. Our party strongly condemns and denounces this authoritarian step of the government', said UML General Secretary Pokharel.