Kathmandu, Feb 12: The Kathmandu District Administration Office (DAO) has imposed a month-long ban on protests involving more than five people at Tribhuvan International Airport and its surrounding areas, effective from Friday.
The prohibitory order was issued after authorities received information that certain groups were planning to organise demonstrations at the international airport. The order bars all forms of protest activities — including hunger strikes, sit-ins, gherao, rallies, demonstrations and assemblies — within the airport premises and nearby zones.
According to the DAO, the restricted area covers all roads from the airport’s main entrance gate to the compound, including the domestic and international terminal areas, parking zones and all other locations within the airport perimeter.
Officials said the measure was necessary as the international airport and its surroundings are highly sensitive locations. The DAO warned that protest programmes by large gatherings could potentially lead to vandalism, arson or other unruly activities. It further cautioned that such events might trigger clashes, confrontations or disturbances, thereby affecting essential services, public transportation, public property and overall peace and security.
At the same time, the administration clarified that it remains committed to safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly without arms, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal. The restriction applies only to the airport area, and protests may be organised elsewhere in accordance with the law.
The DAO has urged organisers to provide prior notice before staging demonstrations in other locations. It also warned that any damage to government, public or private property during protests would be assessed under existing laws, and compensation would be recovered from the organisers.
