Kathmandu [Nepal], April 27 (ANI): On the 26th day of protests demanding the implementation of a School Education Act, Nepalese teachers clashed with police on Sunday, leaving nearly 60 teachers injured. The confrontation occurred when protesting teachers attempted to breach a police barricade to enter a restricted zone. In response, police used water cannons and baton charges, leading to several teachers sustaining severe injuries. Many of the injured are currently being treated at hospitals in Kathmandu, including Civil Hospital, Everest Hospital, and the National Trauma Centre.
Laxmi Kishor Subedi, President of the Nepal Teachers’ Federation, confirmed that approximately 60 teachers were injured during the clash. The protests, led by both teaching and non-teaching staff from government schools across Nepal, have been ongoing for 26 days, with teachers demanding revisions to the School Education Bill.
The protesting teachers have been marching daily from Maitighar via Bijulibazar to New Baneshwor but have been stopped about 500 meters from the Federal Parliament. Tensions escalated on Sunday when some protesters threw stones at the police. Despite this, protest leaders, including Lakhendra Prasad Yadav, a teacher involved in the protests, emphasized that their demonstrations remain peaceful, and they intend to continue protesting until their demands are met.
The Teachers’ Federation is demanding the immediate promulgation of the School Education Act, which they believe should include provisions for equitable pay and perks, improved health care benefits, and permanent status for temporary teachers. They have also pushed for greater job security and opportunities to work under the federal government.
Talks between the government and the teachers, which were held nearly a month after the protests began, ended inconclusively on Saturday. The teachers have made it clear that they will not relent until their demands are addressed. (ANI)
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