Protest against Lumbini Development Fund appointments, warning of agitation if not revoked

The Save Lumbini Mega Campaign staged a protest on Friday demanding that the appointment of Ani Choying Dolma and others as vice-chair of the Lumbini Development Trust be revoked.

A silent procession that set out from Lumbini's Parsa Chowk reached the Trust's office and turned into a sit-in.

Campaign coordinator Akram Khan said the appointment, made without following due process, was against good governance, and demanded the government revoke it immediately. He alleged that Ani Choying was a foreign and controversial citizen and said her appointment was unacceptable. The campaign also accused the Trust of being turned into a centre for political recruitment.

Co-coordinator Meghanath Acharya also alleged that the appointment violated due process. The campaign warned that if the government does not correct the appointment immediately, it will intensify its agitation after Tihar. It said that if the decision is not reversed, protests would spread not just from Lumbini but from across the country.