KATHMANDU: In New Baneshwor of Kathmandu, Sunday demonstrations convened by the Swargadwari Guthi Peedit Mohee Kisan Sangharsha Samiti ended up being fraught with violence. Mostly comprised of people affected by the Guthi land rights dispute, protesters clashed with police in trying to enter a restricted area. Since January 2025, the Swargadwari Guthi's Mohee farmers have been agitating for Lalpurja (land ownership documents), and this protest formed part of that effort.

SP Apilraj Bohara, spokesperson for the District Police Office Kathmandu, reported that the protests turned violent when the demonstrators attempted to enter a restricted area. DSP Ganga Paudel of the Singh Durbar Police Circle suffered injuries in a situation that escalated very rapidly. DSP Paudel suffered a head injury and was dispatched to Civil Hospital for treatment. Further updates on his status will be made by authorities.

As a result of the incident, 12 protestors were detained by the police. The arrested individuals consisted of 5 women and 7 men. The protesters were taken into custody for their involvement in the clash, which authorities have described as an act of civil disobedience.

The demonstrators have been staging an indefinite sit-in at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu since January, or Magh 20, 2025. Lalpurja certificates will grant them the official property ownership rights they demand. The sit-in is part of a larger movement that has seen increasing explosive eruptions because of confusion over the unresolvable Guthi land disputes in the area.

The conflict indicates ever-increasing animosities on the rights of this land with respect to Guthi (endowment trust) holdings. Lots of people, especially farmers from this area, have had their claim for rightful ownership denied due to this Guthi system. These have led them to go through demonstrations and court battles regarding the recognition and distribution of land. 

Despite the battle, authorities still maintain that particular area under close surveillance. The District Police Office advises protesters and the general public to hold their excitement and further tension. The authorities are also carefully monitoring the development regarding unresolved Guthi land rights.