Activities of all political parties have been banned at Manma Khadachakra, the district headquarters of Kalikot, since 31 March by the District Administration Office (DAO). The official notification reads, "Organising mass meetings, rallies and sloganeering by any political parties, organisations and associations are prohibited," in language that closely resembles directives issued by Panchayat governments.

The political parties are the first and direct victims of this ban that directly breaches the fundamental rights guaranteed to the people by the constitution of 1991. The local administration came down heavily on political activists who had gathered to celebrate International Labour Day on 1 May. The police have been accused of violent behaviour towards UML, NMKP (Nepal Workers and Peasants Party) and Jan Morcha workers who had gathered to observe May Day. Police Inspector Gyanendra Pakharin physically assaulted Tula Raj Bista, secretary of the UML District Committee. The political parties have condemned the incident, reporting that Sub-Inspector Jagat Man Shrestha had instructed his men to "kill and dispose of " anybody who defied the DAO orders.

Nine human rights organisations in the district have also expressed displeasure at CDO Madhab Prasad Pokharel's directive, which they say contravenes what the constitution guarantees every citizen of Nepal. The political parties have demanded that the indefinite ban be scrapped immediately.