KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu District Administration Office has issued an order banning protests, demonstrations, and public gatherings of more than five people in several key areas of the capital for the next two months.

Chief District Officer (CDO) Ishwar Raj Poudel announced the directive on Friday, citing potential risks of unrest, vandalism, and clashes. The restriction will take effect from Saturday (October 18) under Section 6(3)(ka) of the Local Administration Act, 2028 BS.

The administration said the decision was made to prevent “unruly or undesirable activities” that could arise from large or emotionally charged crowds. The order prohibits sit-ins, rallies, processions, encirclements, or any form of protest within designated zones.

Prohibited zones include:

1. Presidential Office (Sheetal Niwas) area, Maharajgunj:

• From the junction in front of the National Police Training Academy in the northeast

• 100 meters south from the turning toward Samakhushi in the southeast

• Up to the Samakhushi River in the southwest

2. Vice President’s Office (Harit Griha), Lainchaur area:

• From Keshar Mahal Chowk through Lainchaur Mode up to the boundary of Hotel Malla

3. Narayanhiti Palace Museum area:

• From Keshar Mahal Chowk to the south gate of the museum and up to Jai Nepal junction

• From the south gate of the museum to the Mahendra statue

4. Singha Durbar area:

• From the eastern corner of Bhadrakali Temple to the main gate of Singha Durbar

• From the main gate northward to Padmodaya School junction

• From Padmodaya junction east to the Office of the Auditor General and northeast corner of Singha Durbar toward Anamnagar

• From the main gate southward past the Supreme Court and Department of Archaeology to Hanumansthan Temple

• From the eastern entrance of the District Court to the northern bend of the District Administration Office

5. Prime Minister’s Residence, Baluwatar area:

• From Pabitra Workshop Chowk past Nepal Rastra Bank to Italy Chowk and up to the stone spout near Laxmi Bank, Bhatbhateni

• From Italy Chowk westward to the Speaker’s residence and 100 meters toward Gairidhara Road

• From the northeastern corner of the Prime Minister’s residence to the Chief Justice’s residence and 100 meters west from that junction

• From the Chief Justice’s residence toward the Speaker’s residence and 100 meters eastward from Rastra Bank Chowk

Officials said the restrictions are temporary and intended to maintain public order and protect key government and diplomatic premises during an increasingly tense political period in the capital.