Prakash Kafle/Kathmandu. Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya has requested scientist and former minister Mahabir Pun not to sell books on the streets of Pokhara. Earlier on Wednesday, Pun had announced through social media that he planned to sell books at several locations in Pokhara and invited people to participate in the initiative.
According to Pun’s announcement, the book sales were scheduled to take place at Chipledhunga at 10 a.m., Sabhagriha Chowk at 1 p.m., and Birauta Chowk after 4 p.m. Following this announcement, Mayor Acharya responded through Facebook, urging Pun not to conduct book sales on public streets. The mayor acknowledged that Pun’s campaign is commendable and noted that many people have been purchasing books to support his initiative. However, he pointed out that selling goods in public places without proper registration or official permission could create legal complications.
Acharya also mentioned that in recent days, selling books on the roadside had caused some inconvenience to traffic and led to unnecessary disputes, which he said does not suit a respected personality like Mahabir Pun. He further emphasized that Mahabir Pun is a nationally respected figure and suggested alternative ways to distribute the books. The mayor stated that the city could help coordinate book sales through the Booksellers’ Federation.
Acharya added that just as municipal police request small vendors to vacate footpaths according to regulations, the same rules apply equally to everyone. To avoid unnecessary controversy, he urged Pun to refrain from selling books on the streets. If Pun provides the stock of books, the city could facilitate sales through the federation and ensure proper payment for them.
पोखरा मेयर आचार्यको पूर्वमन्त्री महावीर पुनलाई आग्रह: “सडकमा किताब बिक्री नगर्नुहोस्”
