Balkumari Incident: Protests Intensify in Birendranagar

Protests erupted once again in Birendranagar on Sunday, fueled by the tragic deaths of 21-year-old Sujan Rawat from Dailekh and Birendra Shah from Achham during a demonstration at Balkumari in Lalitpur on Friday. The incident has ignited public outrage, with the “Youth Rebels” group taking to the streets, blocking the main road of the provincial capital and bringing vehicular movement to a standstill.

The situation at the Airechowk-Mangalgadhi intersection under Ratna Highway remains tense, as protesters have effectively halted all traffic in the area. Sunday’s demonstration follows a similar protest held at the same location on Saturday, with the group vowing to disrupt traffic in Surkhet as well.

The “Youth Rebels” group is demanding the resignation of Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Physical Infrastructure Minister Prakash Jwala. Additionally, they are calling for the declaration of the deceased youth as martyrs and urging the state to ensure proper education, health, and upbringing for the families of the victims.

Tensions have escalated, and protesters are resorting to burning tires to make their voices heard. Law enforcement is present at the protest site to maintain order, but the situation remains volatile. Naveen Yogi, the leader of the movement, issued a stern warning, stating that any attempts to move road vehicles could lead to unpredictable consequences.

As the protests continue to intensify, the local authorities are under increasing pressure to address the grievances of the demonstrators and find a resolution to the ongoing crisis. The tragic deaths of Sujan Rawat and Birendra Shah have sparked widespread concern, turning the spotlight on issues related to governance, accountability, and the well-being of the youth in the region.