Teachers and school staff staging protests in Kathmandu have symbolically protested against the government by switching on mobile flashlights in broad daylight, demanding the immediate issuance of the Education Act.
Gathered along the Baneshwor–Babarmahal road section, the protesters used mobile phone torches and headlamps during the demonstration. They also chanted slogans calling for the prompt implementation of a new Education Act.
A large number of police personnel were deployed to maintain security. The protest caused disruptions to vehicular movement along the Baneshwar–Babarmahal stretch.
Teachers across the country, under the leadership of the Federation of Teachers, have been agitating for a quality, student- and teacher-friendly Education Act. Since March 31, they have been staging protests in Kathmandu, describing the ongoing movement as their “final and decisive struggle” to push for the Act.
Starting April 7, the teachers have also announced a nationwide academic strike. Concerns have been raised that their protest might delay the publication of results, as it has affected the checking of answer sheets for the ongoing SEE (Secondary Education Examination).
Previously, teachers had protested by wearing black armbands, blowing whistles, maintaining silence, and even sleeping on the streets. Today, they tried to draw the government’s attention using mobile lights and headlamps.
