Japan Embassy furious about stone pelting on JICA Nepal chief’s vehicle, his injury

Kathmandu, 15 September: The Japan Embassy in Kathmandu has issued a statement condemning stone pelting on the vehicle of the JICA Nepal chief injuring him in the incident. On 13 September, the Chief Representative of the JICA Nepal Office was injured when stones were pelted at him by a group of demonstrators as he passed by them in his car in Kathmandu. His car is also damaged.

The Embassy has stated, “The right of peaceful demonstrations is considered to be a part of the freedom of expression that is the fundamental of democracy. However, when it becomes an act of violence, it is nothing more than a criminal offence”. “As many of the people of Nepal know, Japan has assisted Nepal's democratic progress and development as its sincere friend. And it is JICA that has played a key role to that end. It is extremely regrettable that its representative was injured in this incident”, the Embassy has condemned the act. “The Government of Nepal has been promoting foreign tourism and foreign direct investment (FDI). However, the fact that an incident like this took place in the midst of such efforts goes against it”.

“We have alerted Japanese nationals residing in Nepal to avoid similar incidents”, the Embassy informed.

“At the same time, we hope that Nepal will continue to be a peaceful and attractive country for foreigners”, it is stated.

It is learned that the students affiliated with the Nepal Student Union, a sister organization of the Nepali Congress, had launched a torch rally demanding action against Shyam Sapkota, who had attacked NC leader Mahendra Yadav recently in Kathmandu.

Stones were thrown from inside the compound of Tri-Chandra Campus targeting vehicles rolling in the streets. Meanwhile, the vehicle belonging to JICA Nepal also received stones and the vehicle was damaged injuring the JICA Nepal chief.