Curfew Imposed Around Tribhuvan Airport

The District Administration Office has imposed a curfew in and around Tribhuvan International Airport.

In a notice issued on Thursday, the office prohibited any rallies, processions, or mass gatherings in the airport area. The notice, released by Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Ishwar Raj Paudel, instructed that no demonstrations, processions, assemblies, or protest rallies be conducted.

The notice stated, “Considering the sensitivity of the airport area, and to ensure peace, security, and smooth movement, this decision has been made.”

The administration explained that, with the government and related agencies mobilized for the upcoming elections, some groups and political parties had announced via statements and social media their plans to hold demonstrations or gatherings in and around the airport on Falgun 1. However, no prior approval or notification was provided to the Kathmandu administration regarding such events.

The notice emphasized, “With the election code of conduct already in effect, such programs are prohibited. Considering the possibility of infiltration by anti-election groups, and in order to manage the upcoming Mahashivaratri festival on Falgun 3 while respecting religious and cultural beliefs, the security of the highly sensitive airport area, and the smooth movement of travelers, no rallies, demonstrations, strikes, gatherings, or assemblies should take place. Furthermore, no activities should be organized or encouraged through social media that may instigate such events.”

Leaders from Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Durga Prasai had previously called for a welcome gathering at Tribhuvan Airport for former King Gyanendra Shah, returning from Jhapa.

The administration warned that such events in sensitive areas like the airport could lead to unrest, including property damage, arson, clashes, or violent incidents. It stated that unauthorized gatherings could severely affect essential services, public services, transportation, public property, and overall law and order, which prompted the curfew.