Protests against Ani Choying Drolma’s appointment as vice chair of the Lumbini Development Trust are ongoing, with local groups urging the government to reverse this decision.
The Lumbini Bachau Mahabhiyan (Save Lumbini Campaign) has scheduled a protest at Parsa Chowk in Lumbini at 1 p.m. on Friday. Campaign coordinator Akram Khan stated that the group will persist with its protest plan until the appointment is canceled.
The Kapilvastu Tilaurakot Sangharsha Samiti has also called on the government to reassess the appointment, expressing concerns about local representation, transparency, and the management of Lumbini, a key religious and cultural site in Nepal.
Local Groups Challenge the Appointment
Drolma, a prominent Buddhist nun and singer, was appointed as vice chair of the Lumbini Development Trust by the Cabinet on October 16, following a proposal from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
However, this appointment has faced backlash from activists who argue that trust leadership should be knowledgeable about Buddhism, Lumbini’s heritage, and local community issues.
Rajkumar Yadav from the Kapilvastu Tilaurakot Sangharsha Samiti stated that the decision has negatively impacted the feelings and dignity of residents in the Lumbini area.
The groups have requested the government to reconsider its decision and clarify the appointment process.
Campaigners Raise Concerns About Financial Transparency and Citizenship
The groups have also highlighted concerns regarding Drolma’s financial dealings and citizenship status as reasons for their demands.
The Kapilvastu Tilaurakot group referenced a significant transfer from Hong Kong in 2019 and questioned its origin and whether any investigations were conducted regarding it.
Additionally, they have called for clarity from authorities concerning her citizenship.
These claims and concerns raised by the campaigners should not be viewed as established facts; their validity must be determined through appropriate legal and investigative channels.
Campaigners Threaten Continued Demonstrations
The Lumbini Bachau Mahabhiyan has announced that protests will persist unless the government addresses their demands. Other local figures have also criticized the appointment, emphasizing the importance of public trust, good governance, and local community interests in selecting institutional leadership.
The Lumbini Development Trust is tasked with the development, management, and preservation of Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site.
This dispute has expanded to encompass issues of institutional transparency, local involvement, and the responsibilities tied to managing a site of such religious and cultural significance.
The latest updates did not include responses from Drolma or the government regarding the protesters’ demands. It remains uncertain if authorities will reconsider the appointment, but for now, the groups plan to continue their movement until they receive a response from the government.