Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03KATHMANDU1691
2003-09-02 10:08:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kathmandu
Cable title:
STUDENT UNION LEADERS ARRESTED DURING POLITICAL
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. 021008Z Sep 03
C O N F I D E N T I A L KATHMANDU 001691
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SA/INS, DS/IP/SA
LONDON FOR POL/GURNEY, NSC FOR MILLARD
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/03/2013
TAGS: PGOV NP
SUBJECT: STUDENT UNION LEADERS ARRESTED DURING POLITICAL
RALLY
Classified By: Ambassador Michael E. Malinowski for Reasons 1.5 (b,d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L KATHMANDU 001691
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SA/INS, DS/IP/SA
LONDON FOR POL/GURNEY, NSC FOR MILLARD
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/03/2013
TAGS: PGOV NP
SUBJECT: STUDENT UNION LEADERS ARRESTED DURING POLITICAL
RALLY
Classified By: Ambassador Michael E. Malinowski for Reasons 1.5 (b,d).
1. (SBU) From 1430 to 1600 on September 2, roughly 150
students began demonstrating in Ratna Park in central
Kathmandu to protest the Government of Nepal's "regressive
actions" against the political parties. The students
represented the various student unions that are affiliated
with the five major political parties. (Note. The
demonstration had been announced in late August prior to the
break in the cease-fire. End Note.) At the same time and
place, Nepal Bar Association members gathered to protest the
GON order of September 1 prohibiting all public
demonstrations in the capital (reported septel).
2. (SBU) Police sources report that approximately 16 student
leaders were arrested and taken to Hanuman Dhoka prison for
violating the GON prohibition on public demonstrations. The
Police also arrested roughly eight association members,
including the president, Sindhunath Pyakurel. Police and
Royal Nepal Army soldiers dispersed the remaining
demonstrators using batons, but no injuries have been
reported. Embassy contacts indicate that the Police have
released ten of the students and will likely release the
others after they pay fines. The RNA is also maintaining a
visible presence in Kathmandu using tanks and foot patrols.
3. (C) Comment. The student union demonstration likely was
carried out in smaller numbers than originally planned
because of the GON order prohibiting such activity. The five
main political parties, who had scheduled a mass nation-wide
demonstration for September 4, may use the student rally as a
litmus test on whether they will continue with their planned
demonstration. Post anticipates that even if the political
parties decide to move forward with the protest, their
numbers will remain more modest than originally projected.
End Comment.
MALINOWSKI
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR SA/INS, DS/IP/SA
LONDON FOR POL/GURNEY, NSC FOR MILLARD
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/03/2013
TAGS: PGOV NP
SUBJECT: STUDENT UNION LEADERS ARRESTED DURING POLITICAL
RALLY
Classified By: Ambassador Michael E. Malinowski for Reasons 1.5 (b,d).
1. (SBU) From 1430 to 1600 on September 2, roughly 150
students began demonstrating in Ratna Park in central
Kathmandu to protest the Government of Nepal's "regressive
actions" against the political parties. The students
represented the various student unions that are affiliated
with the five major political parties. (Note. The
demonstration had been announced in late August prior to the
break in the cease-fire. End Note.) At the same time and
place, Nepal Bar Association members gathered to protest the
GON order of September 1 prohibiting all public
demonstrations in the capital (reported septel).
2. (SBU) Police sources report that approximately 16 student
leaders were arrested and taken to Hanuman Dhoka prison for
violating the GON prohibition on public demonstrations. The
Police also arrested roughly eight association members,
including the president, Sindhunath Pyakurel. Police and
Royal Nepal Army soldiers dispersed the remaining
demonstrators using batons, but no injuries have been
reported. Embassy contacts indicate that the Police have
released ten of the students and will likely release the
others after they pay fines. The RNA is also maintaining a
visible presence in Kathmandu using tanks and foot patrols.
3. (C) Comment. The student union demonstration likely was
carried out in smaller numbers than originally planned
because of the GON order prohibiting such activity. The five
main political parties, who had scheduled a mass nation-wide
demonstration for September 4, may use the student rally as a
litmus test on whether they will continue with their planned
demonstration. Post anticipates that even if the political
parties decide to move forward with the protest, their
numbers will remain more modest than originally projected.
End Comment.
MALINOWSKI