There was a clash between local protesters and the police at the Lumbini Development Fund office, where locals had gathered for a sit-in with various demands. The confrontation occurred when the police used force against protesting women, leading to a scuffle.
The locals were protesting due to the non-implementation of a 12-point agreement between the Lumbini Save Campaign and the Lumbini Development Fund. The protesters accused the police of using force during their demonstration outside the Fund’s central office in Lumbini.
Their demands included allowing traditional worship at the Maya Devi Temple, removing the temple entrance fee imposed in violation of a court order, and returning artifacts and items found during excavations to Lumbini for restoration. The police reportedly pushed and struck the women with batons, forcing them out of the office grounds.
After some women were injured in the clash, angry locals began throwing stones.
Akramuddin Khan, the coordinator of the Lumbini Save Campaign, accused the police of suppressing the protesters. He stated, “The locals came to protest over the non-implementation of the agreements, but the police used batons and created a confrontation.” He warned that if the agreements were not implemented, they would escalate their protests. He also criticized the Lumbini Development Fund for hindering traditional worship at the Maya Devi Temple and hiring staff without considering those who donated land.
However, Suraj Karki, the Deputy Superintendent of Police at Rupandehi District, stated that the police were only trying to control the situation and did not use excessive force. He clarified that they had only removed the crowd from inside the office and tried to manage the situation calmly.
