Ashika in brief traffic dispute at Thapathali Chowk

KATHMANDU: A brief altercation occurred between law enforcement and a lawmaker in Kathmandu after a disagreement over traffic movement at a signal-controlled intersection.

Ashika Tamang, a Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), was involved in a verbal exchange with traffic police at Thapathali Chowk around 3 pm on Wednesday.

The incident took place while she was returning from a parliamentary meeting. Her vehicle was stopped at a red light and, after the signal turned green, she attempted to move forward.

However, traffic police instructed the vehicle to remain stopped, citing ongoing pedestrian movement on the zebra crossing.

Tension escalated when Tamang questioned the decision from inside the vehicle, asking why traffic was not being properly managed after the green signal.

She later expressed frustration over what she described as a lack of proper response from the officer on duty.

The argument continued briefly, after which she stepped out of the vehicle and spoke with another traffic officer issuing fines nearby.

The situation was later calmed after assurance was given that the matter would be reviewed, following which she resumed her journey.

Tamang later said she was not speaking as a politician but as a regular road user, arguing that vehicles should generally move when the light turns green, while stressing she held no personal grievance against the officers involved.