Protests erupt in Jhapa after ex-PM KP Oli’s arrest

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI,: Tension has mounted in Nepal’s Jhapa district since early Saturday morning following the arrest of former Prime Minister K.P. Oli. Supporters of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) burned tyres on the streets, set fire to an effigy of Home minister Sudan Gurung and warned of launching a nationwide movement from Sunday.

Oli’s former strongholds, Damak and Birtamode, have been under heavy security surveillance since morning. After 10 am, large numbers of supporters took to the streets, demanding his immediate release.

In Damak, hundreds of party activists and student supporters affiliated with All Nepal National Free Students Union staged protests. Demonstrators, including a significant number of women, chanted slogans against newly appointed Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Home minister Gurung, calling the arrest “vindictive” and politically motivated.

Party leaders have announced plans to submit formal protest letters to the chief district officer of Jhapa on Sunday before escalating their movement.

At Mukti Chowk in Birtamode, hundreds of protesters marched, demanding Oli’s immediate release. Addressing a corner meeting there, CPN-UML Jhapa vice president Shiva Dhungel warned the government to “correct its mistakes immediately.” He criticized the government as being formed under foreign influence and urged it to govern according to the law without arrogance.

Dhungel further cautioned that any attempt to target the UML out of political revenge would prove costly. “The UML has brought change in the country through various street movements. Any retaliation against it will not be taken lightly,” he said.

Leaders also warned that failure to meet their demands could lead to a mass street movement aimed at toppling the government. The party stated it would continue protest programs as directed by its central leadership.

Arjun Karki, a senior CPN-UML leader and chairman of Ward No. 4 of Mechi Municipality, said, “The new government should act with a positive mindset, not with intentions of revenge. There are laws and procedures to follow, and hasty decisions could prove dangerous for the government itself.”