Akram Khan, the leader of the Lumbini Bachau Mahabhiyan campaign, and fellow activist Wabiuuddin Musalman have been arrested by police in Rupandehi district during protests against Ani Choying Drolma’s appointment as vice chairperson of the Lumbini Development Trust.
Khan, 61, and Musalman, 33, were taken from their homes near Lumbini Parsachowk. Ram Bikash Chaudhary, the campaign co coordinator, stated, “They were arrested while sleeping. This is an attempt to suppress our peaceful demonstration. They should be released on bail.”
Police Confirm Arrests for Public Disturbance
The Rupandehi District Police Office confirmed the arrests, citing suspicions of public disturbance. The two activists are currently held at the District Police Office in Bhairahawa for investigation. The campaign has denied the allegations and is calling for their release.
Protests Against Drolma’s Appointment
The Lumbini Bachau Mahabhiyan has organized several protests urging the government to revoke Drolma’s appointment, which was approved by the Cabinet on October 16, 2026. The campaign and local stakeholders demand a local candidate with expertise in Lumbini instead. They seek clarification on concerns raised, including Drolma’s citizenship and financial transparency, issues highlighted by critics of the appointment.
This situation has ignited a broader discussion about transparency, local representation, and leadership at a crucial cultural and religious site in Nepal.
Campaign Protests Intensify
On Monday afternoon, campaign members gathered in Parsachowk to burn an effigy of Culture and Tourism Minister Ganesh Paudel. The group is staging ongoing protests demanding the reversal of Drolma’s appointment and advocating for a qualified local candidate. Other local figures and groups have also expressed their discontent.
New Developments with Arrests
The recent arrests have shifted the focus of the issue. The campaign asserts they were peacefully protesting and should not have been detained. Meanwhile, police maintain that the arrests were necessary to investigate public disturbance claims. The legal outcome for the two activists remains to be seen.
This situation highlights the challenges of maintaining public order while addressing calls for transparency in the leadership of the Lumbini Development Trust.