Kathmandu: The Jaga Nepali Campaign has strongly objected to the government’s decision to make embossed number plates mandatory, calling it a deliberate attempt to erase the Devanagari script and undermine Nepal’s cultural identity.

Addressing a press conference at the Reporters Club Nepal on Sunday, campaign coordinator Dr. Dipesh KC alleged that the move aims to destroy the Devanagari script, divide communities along caste, ethnic, and linguistic lines, and push the nation toward conflict.

“The Devanagari script is a symbol of unity. People in the Terai, hills, and Himalayas all recognize this script. By removing it, there is a clear attempt to dismantle our identity and create division,” KC said.

Planned Attack on Culture and Heritage

The campaign stated that Nepal’s religion, culture, traditions, and language have been under systematic attack, with Devanagari becoming the latest target. According to KC, the decision to enforce Roman-script embossed plates is part of a “grand design” that threatens Nepal’s heritage and sovereignty.

He accused state authorities of being influenced by vested interests, alleging that the move is linked to a corruption scandal involving “billions in commissions.”

Boycott Call and Protest Programs Announced

Jaga Nepali has appealed to citizens, social activists, and organizations to boycott Roman-script number plates and join the movement to protect Devanagari. The campaign announced protest programs, including submitting memorandums to political parties on Bhadra 9 and 10, holding consultations on Bhadra 11, and declaring further actions on Bhadra 13.

Allegations of Corruption and Cultural Suppression

Advocate Rameshwor Raut claimed that the constitutional rights of language and culture are being violated and alleged large-scale embezzlement in the process. “Plates costing Rs. 200 for motorcycles are being priced at Rs. 3,500, and those costing Rs. 250 are being set at Rs. 6,500,” he said.

Similarly, Dinesh Subedi, coordinator of the Nepal Independent Citizens Network, criticized the government for attempting to remove the Devanagari script in the name of modernization. “Language is the soul of the nation. This move is a serious attack on our identity,” he said.

Mandatory Implementation from Asoj

The Department of Transport Management has ordered that embossed number plates be installed on all vehicles starting Asoj 1, 2082. While the government claims the measure aims to standardize the transport system, critics say it risks cultural erasure.