Social activist assaulted for expressing his opinion

Freedom Forum has learned that an individual Padam Chenjo Mabo was smeared for his social media campaign on February 16 in Dharan. Dharan lies in Koshi Province of Nepal. Mabo is vice president of Yakthung Chumlung organization. A video showing few people smearing face of Mabo was circulated through social media pages. The video shows that people associated with Pathibhara Conservation Joint struggle committee attacked Mabo for his campaign in favour of construction of cable car at the Pathibhara temple during the convention of Yakthung Chumlung. The struggle committee has been protesting against Pathibhara cable car project as 'No Cable car'. Police persons rescues Mabo from the incident. They assaulted Mabo and threatened him not to speak in favour of cable car project. Freedom Forum's Executive Chief Taranath Dahal states, "Everyone has the right to speak and express opinion for and against any issue. Assaulting someone merely for their opinion is an absolute violation of free speech and free expression." FF condemns the act and urges the concerned authority to ensure safety of citizens.