The use of force during the eviction of squatter settlements, attempts to rule through ordinances bypassing parliament, and preparations to ban associations and organizations have been interpreted as signs of totalitarian tendencies.
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Intellectuals and civil society representatives from various sectors have expressed serious concern over the government's recent activities and demanded an immediate halt to the 'exercise of authoritarian rule'.
In the citizen appeal they issued, it is stated that some decisions of the National Independent Party (NISP) government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah have raised questions about democratic practices. The appeal interprets the use of force during the eviction of squatter settlements, attempts to rule through ordinances bypassing parliament, and preparations to ban unions and organizations as signs of authoritarian tendencies.
In the appeal, the government is demanded to immediately stop the eviction of squatter settlements without collecting data, verifying it, and arranging alternative housing. Similarly, it is stated that the ban on collecting information about the condition of the displaced has interfered with the freedom of the press and the right of citizens to be informed.
'Thousands of citizens are in distress.' Pregnant women and mothers are not getting care and a safe environment. When settlements are being razed at the beginning of the academic session and schools are being demolished, children are being deprived of their right to education. This is a serious violation of human rights,' the appeal states, 'The government's sudden use of force against citizens living on the outskirts of the city, including by mobilizing the army, is unconstitutional and inhumane.'
The practice of bringing ordinances even after the parliament session has been called is a violation of the constitution and the parliamentary system, and it has been urged to formulate laws through regular parliamentary processes. In addition, it has been objected to the preparation to ban student organizations, trade unions and other organizations and demanded to respect the freedom of expression and organization guaranteed by the constitution.
The appeal also expresses concern over the attempts to increase interference in universities and the judiciary. It has been stated that there has been interference with academic freedom in the name of ending partisanship and the act of removing officials through the ordinance violates the rules and procedures.
The signatories have accused the government of violating the constitution and moving towards curtailing civil liberties, and have called for an immediate end to such activities and moving forward in accordance with democratic and federal values.
The appeal has been signed by Nilambar Acharya, Dipendra Bahadur Chhetri, Kanakmani Dixit, Narayan Wagle, Khagendra Sangraula, Mahesh Maskey, Dobhan Rai, among others.
