The Home Ministry has threatened to take action following demonstrations across the country against the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Issuing a statement on Thursday, the ministry has said its attention has been drawn to acts like inviting commoners to gather at certain places, and start rallies in the name of peaceful sit-ins in the past few days.
The statement issued by Joint Secretary Kedar Nath Sharma has warned people of action for violating the lockdown pointing that the chief district officer (CDO) can impose a fine and jail the demonstrators as per clause 3 of the Infectious Disease Act 1964.
"We remind everyone about the provision allowing the chief district officer to impose a fine of Rs 100-600 and jail term of one-six months on persons violating the lockdown or obstructing works as per clause 3 of the Infectious Disease Act 1964," the statement warns.
The ministry has also thanked the people cooperating in lockdown by staying home.
Peaceful demonstrations have been held in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Dharan, Birgunj and other parts of the country on Thursday against the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The police used tear gas shells and water cannons on those protesting in Baluwatar near the prime minister's official residence.
The demonstrators are pointing at the ill-managed quarantine facilities put up for those returning from India and asking what the government has spent Rs 10 billion on.
They have been irked by the response of Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli who told the House on Wednesday this is not the time to ask for details of expenses and made unsubstantiated claims that Nepalis have better immunity due to the country's topography and eating habits. The placards across the country have made fun of those unsubstantiated claims by PM Oli.
