Security Heightened Outside Dharamshala as Protesters Chant Slogans Against Dr. Govinda KC
Security forces were deployed outside the Krishna Mandir Dharamshala in Dhangadhi after a group of protesters gathered to demonstrate against medical education reform campaigner Dr. Govinda KC. Demonstrators, including local auto-rickshaw drivers, chanted “Go Back KC” slogans near the facility where the activist has been staging a hunger strike. Law enforcement personnel quickly moved in to set up a security perimeter around the location to maintain order and prevent potential confrontations between the activist’s supporters and counter-protesters.
The tension stems from local opposition to Dr. KC’s fast, with groups like the Geta Medical University Struggle Committee alleging that his campaign hinders the establishment of the proposed medical university in Geta. Local residents and regional committees argue that the medical center is crucial for improving health infrastructure across Sudurpashchim Province. Demonstrators voiced frustration over repeated hunger strikes, claiming the activist’s intervention creates unnecessary administrative delays for the long-awaited regional medical hub.
Dr. KC, however, maintains that his protest targets legislative loopholes, arguing that the newly introduced university act caters to private medical mafias rather than genuine public health needs. He advocates for strengthening existing public institutions like the Institute of Medicine and B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences instead of creating redundant administrative structures. Despite the vocal demonstrations outside the venue, security officials confirmed that the situation remains under control, though personnel will stay stationed at the site as the activist’s fast continues.
