KATHMANDU: Tensions flared outside the venue of Tribhuvan University’s 67th Annual Day ceremony as youth protesters staged a demonstration against Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel, leading to police detaining five individuals.

The protesters gathered outside the event venue, targeting the minister with slogans such as “down with nepo babies” and displaying placards demanding structural reforms within higher education.

The demonstration highlighted key grievances, including calls to strictly implement meritocracy, abolish executive positions reserved for political figures—namely the Prime Minister serving as Chancellor and the Education Minister as Pro-Chancellor—and end political interference in academic institutions.

Police intervened shortly after the chanting began, detaining five youths from the scene to secure the area for the university event.

Photos: Nepal Photo Library