Kathmandu authorities have imposed a strict one-month ban on all protests involving five or more people around Tribhuvan International Airport, effective immediately from Friday. This move comes amid intelligence reports of planned demonstrations that could disrupt one of Nepal’s busiest aviation hubs.
The District Administration Office (DAO) in Kathmandu issued the order, citing the airport’s status as a highly sensitive zone. Prohibited activities include hunger strikes, sit-ins, encroachments, rallies, demonstrations, and gatherings of more than five individuals. The ban covers the entire airport premises, from the main entrance gates to domestic and international terminals, parking lots, and all surrounding roads and areas within the perimeter.
Officials emphasized that such events could spiral into mob violence, vandalism, arson, and clashes, threatening public safety, essential services, transportation, public property, and overall law and order. ‘The airport handles critical international and domestic flights; any disturbance here could have cascading effects on Nepal’s economy and security,’ a DAO spokesperson noted.
Despite the restrictions, the administration reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly without arms, and participation in protests elsewhere. Organizers are urged to notify authorities in advance for events outside the restricted zone and warned that any damage to government, public, or private property will be assessed and recovered from them under the law.
This proactive measure underscores Nepal’s balancing act between maintaining public order and upholding democratic freedoms, especially as tensions simmer over various local issues. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly, with no immediate impact reported on flight operations.