Administration Halts Unveiling Ceremony of Yalambar Statue Amid Security Concerns
News Summary
- The District Administration Office of Khotang has imposed a ban on the unveiling ceremony of the Yalambar statue due to security concerns.
- The Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality planned to inaugurate the statue on April 30, while the ward office scheduled their event for May 1, each with different chief guests.
- The administration postponed both events considering the potential for unrest and to maintain social harmony, according to Chief District Officer Rekha Kandel.
April 29, Khotang – The District Administration Office of Khotang has imposed a ban on the unveiling ceremony of the Yalambar statue citing security challenges.
The 110-foot tall Yalambar statue, constructed at Pancharodovato in Buipa, ward number 14 of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, had been scheduled for inauguration on different dates and times, which prompted the administration to intervene.
The municipality had fixed April 30 for the unveiling, while the Buipa ward office planned to hold their ceremony on May 1, coinciding with the festival of Ubhauli Sakela. Due to this scheduling conflict, the administration postponed both events.
Following a cross-party meeting chaired by Suresh Tamang, the vice-chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, the administration decided to ‘intervene’ in the controversial program.
Chief District Officer Rekha Kandel stated that the ban was imposed taking into account the possibility of unrest between the divided factions regarding the statue’s inauguration. The administration’s issued notice emphasizes the importance of peace, security, social harmony, and unity while suspending both events.
Ward Chairperson Dinesh Rai had planned to appoint House of Representatives Member Hark Sampang as the chief guest for the unveiling. Meanwhile, the municipality had announced the event would be inaugurated by Province 1 Minister for Tourism, Forests and Environment Bhim Parajuli and Kirat Rai Yayokkha Central President Jeevan Hatacho.
The political controversy resulted in two different dates and chief guests being designated for a single statue unveiling, turning the event contentious. With the municipality and ward office turning the inauguration into a ‘battle,’ tensions arose. Chairperson Rai has declared that the May 1 event will proceed despite the administration’s orders.
The Yalambar statue and accompanying park, built at Buipa on over 30 ropanis of government land, cost approximately NPR 115.8 million. Funding was shared between Province 1 (70%) and Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality (30%). The statue is claimed to be the tallest and largest among existing Yalambar statues. However, due to the controversies, the park has not been inaugurated even a year after completion.
The inauguration ceremony was originally planned for June 1, 2025, under the chief guestship of Province 1 Chief Minister Hikmat Karki. Nevertheless, protests from ethnic identity groups opposing the naming of Province 1 led to postponing the event.
The Yalambar Park was constructed by Uma Tuwachung Ansuvi JV, which signed the contract on July 12, 2021. Initial construction began with a budget allocation of NPR 7.2 million by the municipality during the 2018/19 fiscal year. The foundation stone for the Yalambar statue and park was laid by former Mayor Dipnarayan Rizal and Deputy Mayor Binadevi Rai on February 16, 2022.