Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Deputy General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya has urged anyone involved in violent or anarchic activities during the September 9 demonstrations to immediately cut ties with the party. In a statement on social media Wednesday evening, Acharya called on those engaged in such acts to cooperate with investigations and withdraw from party affiliation.
RSP Rejects Infiltration Allegations and Criticizes Government
Acharya dismissed claims linking the RSP to infiltration or violent groups, calling them baseless rumors. He stressed that the RSP is an open and legitimate political force that does not endorse violence. At the same time, he condemned the government for excessive force against demonstrators, which, he said, led to student deaths.
“On September 9, unarmed students and youths walking from Maitighar to Baneshwor carrying bags and books were targeted with live bullets by a state apparatus captured by the old political parties,” Acharya said. “This brutal suppression, born of government arrogance and incompetence, killed 19 people and should have compelled reflection on the consequences of such actions.”
Party’s Stance on Gen-Z Movement and Peaceful Protests
Acharya noted that, on the eve of the protests, the RSP had already clarified its stance on the Gen-Z movement. He said the desire of young people to resist systemic corruption and restrictions on free expression was natural and should not have been dismissed.
“As a political party that has faced retaliation and repression, we naturally stood close to the frustrations of the youth,” Acharya explained. “RSP did not support them in secrecy—we publicly expressed moral support for their peaceful demonstrations.”
Security Concerns and Ravi Lamichhane’s Temporary Release
On RSP President Ravi Lamichhane’s removal from Nakkhu Prison during the unrest, Acharya explained it was based on security assessments. He said prison officials had formally and informally requested Lamichhane’s family and party leadership to take responsibility amid rising tensions, and the request was accepted.
“With government buildings set ablaze and headlines declaring state organs captured by protestors, prison administrators faced extraordinary conditions,” he said. “Handing Lamichhane to his family and senior party leadership was purely a security decision under the principle of necessity.”
Acharya confirmed that despite the risks, senior party leaders reached Nakkhu Prison after assessing the situation in response to the administration’s request. He stressed that the decision was not political maneuvering but a pragmatic response to immediate security concerns.
His message was clear: those who choose violence cannot remain in the RSP. The party, he emphasized, will remain committed to lawful, transparent politics while urging the government to reflect on its accountability in the tragedy.
