Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa has said that Maitighar Mandala will remain a protest exclusion zone effective from July 15, as decided by the Kathmandu District Security Committee on April 13.

The announcement comes at a time when voices are being raised against the decision that impinge on the people’s right to peaceful assembly.

Organising a press meet at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday,

Home Minister Thapa informed the media that Maitighar Mandala will effectively be a protest exclusion zone starting July 15.

He explained that the decision did not curtail the people’s right to peaceful assembly because the Kathmandu District Security Committee had designated seven places where people were free organise protests and rallies without any hindrances.

Bibeksheel Sajha Party and anti-corruption crusader Dr Govinda KC are among those who have vociferously opposed the decision.

These dissenters, according to minister Thapa, are raising unnecessary issue.

He said  that Dr KC was turning into an ‘authoritarian’ figure.

“He is taking unnecessary stance as an autocrat would,” the minister said.

“Dr KC may be fighting for the rights of the citizens, but we also have the government that is safeguarding the rights of the citizens,” the home minister added.