Police have intervened into the interaction programme organised by the Reporters’ Club Nepal in Kathmandu on Wednesday morning.

The programme was organised on the road in front of the club’s office in Putalisadak to defy the prohibitory orders imposed by the local authority.

The security personnel baton charged artists Hari Bansha Acharya, Madan Krishna Shrestha, Bipana Thapa, Ashok Sharma, engineer Jib Raj Pokhrel, former home secretary Bhoj Raj Pokhrel and human rights activist Dr. Gopal Siwakoti who were invited as the speakers of the programme. Police also beat journalists Deepesh Kumat KC and Rishi Dhamala of Reporters’ Club and Suraj Acharya of Image channel.

The clash continued for about an hour bringing the transportation along the road to a halt.

Addressing the programme, Madan Krishna Shrestha called on the parties to continue the ongoing movement as it has now received overwhelming support from the people.

The artists also urged the parties not to withdraw the movement without the restoration of complete democracy.

When the local residents started rallying against the police intervention into the programme, the security forces did not arrest any one from the programme.

Meanwhile, in a press statement, Himrights has condemned the police intervention into the interaction organised by Reporters’ Club. nepalnews.com ia Apr 12 06