Kathmandu, May 12 . Several South Asian student organizations have jointly condemned the reported decision to ban student unions in Nepal and the deployment of security forces in educational institutions, calling it a threat to democratic rights and academic freedom.

In a joint statement issued under the banner of the “Colombo Declaration Unity,” student unions from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh expressed solidarity with Nepalese student organizations and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the alleged ban.

The statement argues that student movements have historically played an important role in democratic struggles and progressive social change across South Asia. According to the organizations, educational institutions should remain spaces for free exchange of ideas, critical discussion, and collective action.

The student groups described the banning of student unions as an attack on students’ ideological freedom and their right to organize. They also criticized the deployment of police forces on campuses, claiming it would militarize educational institutions and create an atmosphere of intimidation and surveillance.

The joint statement further called on students, youth groups, and progressive organizations around the world to stand against restrictions on student unions and the increasing security presence in campuses.

The organizations demanded that the Government of Nepal immediately withdraw any ban on student unions and uphold democratic rights, including freedom of association and assembly.

The statement was jointly signed by several student organizations, including the All India Democratic Students’ Organization (AIDSO), All India Students Federation (AISF), All Nepal National Independent Students’ Union (Revolutionary), All Nepal Students Union (Socialist), National Students Federation of Pakistan, Revolutionary Students’ Union of Sri Lanka, Scientific Socialist Student Union Nepal, and Socialist Students’ Front Bangladesh.