Kantipur Report


KATHMANDU, April 16 - The government is spending about Rs 23 million to suppress the popular movement, a senior physician and former president of Nepal Medical Association (NMA) disclosed here Saturday.

Addressing a gathering of about 100 doctors assembled at Om Hospital and Research Center to protest against the royal regime, Dr Vijay Sharma, assistant dean at the National Academy of Medical Sciences, said, "The government is spending tax payers' money to the tune of Rs 23 million to suppress the ongoing movement."

He also said that Rs 500,000 is being spent daily on spies and informers. He said the information was obtained from a highly confidential source.

Dr Sharma further said the government has spent billions without any accountability since the February 1 royal coup.

Meanwhile, speaking on the same occasion, Dr Bhola Rizal, senior surgeon at Om Hospital, pledged solidarity with the pro-democracy movement.

Similarly, the Ayurved Hospital, the Maternity Hospital, Bir Hospital, TU Teaching Hospital, Nepal Nursing Association and pharmacies continued with the protests on Saturday.

1,500 injured in one week

The latest update on the injured available at the teaching hospital and Kathmandu Model Hospital shows that the royal government busted the heads, arms and eyes of 1,500 people during ruthless crackdowns a week ago on the pro-democracy movement. Of these, over two dozen are in critical condition.

Dinesh Sherpa lost one eye when police fired at his eyes. Rajan Rai, another demonstrator, had his intestines forced out during police action.

Dr Chop Lal Bhusal said the government has crossed all limits and violated basic human rights norms by savagely shooting unarmed protesters in their heads and eyes.

"Raining batons on the heads or other sensitive parts of the body such as the eyes is prohibited in other countries," he added.

Meanwhile, protesters recovering from their injuries at various hospitals have vowed to return to the streets.

Out of the 1,500 injured, about two dozen, who are in critical condition, are yet to return home.