KATHMANDU, Feb 24: Activists of the CPN-UML allegedly assaulted a group of schoolchildren in Attarkhel, Gokarneshwar Municipality-8, on Monday, in an incident that has sparked widespread outrage on social media.
A video that went viral shows a group of UML activists carrying party flags entering Cake Corner & Bakery shop in Attarkhel and physically attacking several students who were inside the eatery in their school uniforms.
According to eyewitnesses and local residents, the students — all Grade 10 pupils of the nearby East Pole School — were having tea at the bakery when a UML rally passed along the street. As the procession moved by, the students rang a handbell that reportedly bore the election symbol of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, apparently to tease or provoke the rally participants.
Locals said the activists reacted angrily to the bell-ringing and stormed into the shop.
“They became furious when the students rang the bell and entered the bakery to beat them. The children were slapped several times,” a local eyewitness said.
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Another resident said five to six students were inside the shop when the rally group suddenly entered and began assaulting them.
The incident did not involve any clash between rival political groups but instead involved party activists confronting and physically assaulting minors in school uniform, drawing condemnation from various quarters.
Following the circulation of the video, the police said they have taken notice of the incident.
Superintendent of Police Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police Range, said the police are verifying the facts.
“I am aware of the video from Gokarneshwar related to the bell incident circulating on social media. We are verifying the actual details and the context in which it occurred. At this point, we cannot officially confirm the incident as the investigation is ongoing,” SP Bhattarai told Republica.
The footage has triggered widespread criticism online, with many condemning the assault on school-going children by political party activists.
Oli’s claim of ‘disciplined’ volunteer force draws scrutiny
The incident comes at a time when CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has been publicly describing the party’s newly formed National Volunteer Force as disciplined and courteous.
Addressing the Koshi Unified Command Inauguration in Jhapa on Monday, Oli said the force was highly disciplined and maintained a cordial relationship with the public.
“This force is highly disciplined. Its speech is gentle and sweet, and it is fully dedicated to serving the people,” Oli said, adding that the volunteer force was not meant to spread fear but operated under a strict chain of command.
He also warned against electoral malpractice, stating that UML would not allow booth capture and that at least 30 volunteers would be deployed at each polling station. He directed party workers to form security committees in every village and neighborhood.
The contrast between the chairman’s remarks and the conduct of party activists seen in the viral video has intensified public debate over accountability and discipline within political organizations.
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