Demonstration against budget in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Sep 20 (UNI) The local community in Kathmandu took out demonstration in Basantpur area of the capital against the government's decision not to provide any budget for the cultural festivals, breaking centuries old tradition of Nepal.

Police fired some rounds of teargas shells to disperse the mob, which chanted slogans against the government and the new budget and demanded that monetary aid be provided to such cultural festivals of the Himalayan nation.

The government of Nepal used to allocate budget for the cultural festivals including Dashain, which is also known as Dushera, the greatest festival of the Hindus, and other festivals.

But the Communist government of Nepal has not allocated budget to such festivals including Bali Puja of Indra Jatra and cultural activities of Kathmandu.

Despite the several rounds of teargas and baton-charge, protests continued in Basantpur area where shops have been shut down as well.

The demonstrators torched five booths from which the municipality collects revenue from the tourists.

In course of protests, the agitators and the police personnel clashed several times. At least seven protestors and two police personnel are said to be injured during the demonstrations.

Meanwhile, economists and leaders of various political parties have criticised the budget terming it as ''over ambitious, unrealistic and populist''.

UNI XC RJ GC2249