Finally, the government was obliged to do something. There has been hardly any day without some sorts of strike or traffic jams in the capital in 120 days after the success of democratic movement. It was very difficult for anybody to reach the desired destination on given time. The valley was thrilled with series of lootings immediately following the success of the movement. Later, those acts turned to the acts of vandalism and murders as well. And Kathmandu streets witnessed series of traffic obstructions and strikes in the recent days. The government fuelled the fire by giving in to some of the very irrelevant demands as well.
Having realized the condition that all demands of all those protestors can’t be fulfilled, the council of Ministers meeting Monday has formed a committee under convenorship of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for health Amik Sherchan to study on those demands and fulfill wherever possible. Immediately following the decision, the government used heavy force against Madheshi Community people on their way to Singhdurbar for their Singhdarbar Gherao program. At least a dozen are reported wounded and are undergoing treatment at hospitals. In the press meet after the decision, Sherchan told that the government has banned strikes on emergency services.
However, the decision seems to have no effect. The workers under Sherchan’s Ministry were gathering at Maitighar Mandala this morning as well. These are the Assistant level workers on various health posts and hospitals. They have been protesting with a demand of two grade promotion in their service. If their demand fulfilled, a CMA or an ANM will be in equal status with an MBBS Doctor, exercising same authority. Many of them have come from the remote districts where other people at the moment might have been dying of lack of treatment. Isn’t the health an emergency service? Shouldn’t the government immediately settle the issue?
Another group of those injured during the movement is on relay hunger strike. Let’s see a few pictures on how they have been protesting.
People preparing for the protest.
Protesters displaying banners. A banner is from Arghakhanchi.
Hunger Strike: People injured during the people’s movement on relay hunger strike. They are demanding with the demands…..
Waiting for the orders: Police deployed to control the protests.
The army headquarter at the back.
Finally, we will remember. A hoarding at the background reads that 13246 people died so far in the decade long conflict will be remembered always.
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quoting ben harper
“if you don’t like my fire, don’t come near it cause i am gonna burn one down”
thought of a man with substance
“your freedom ends where my nose starts.”
simple logic
“when demand rises, supply falls and prices rocket”
law of physics
“for every action there is equal and oposite reaction”
duh!
I agree with you Daulat. Government has to be inclusive. I hope they have learned lesson after they ignored People from far west region (I mean Karnali region) for years. Maoists were able to capitalize that. If they think they can ignore four million people in Terai region they are totally wrong. Let us see few Madhesi generals. Why Gurung, Chhetri and Rana only?
It is ironic that the only protest that has been brutally suppressed by the police since the April Uprising was against Madhesis. The same day, on Monday, there were several other protests, some of which were obstructing transportation, and buring tyres. But no, the government was more concerned about the peaceful protests in front of the Singha Durbar. It tells a lot about the ‘inclusiveness’ of our government. And if there is any issue other than arms management that has to be resolved before elections for a constituent assembly, it is the citizenship issue. 4 million people cannot be left disenfranchised before the elections, and their fate determined by a non-representative assembly.
I think people have rights to speak up and raise slogans and participate in peaceful rallies. Like you said, I do not want them to hinder others’ rights while they practice their rights. Government must step up and take those people to court of justice. It is just like your neighbor can’t play loud music in the middle of the night and disturb you even if playing music is his/her right. These protesters violate others’ rights while they protest in group for their rights. Government should resolve these conflicts and issues by having direct talk with protesting bodies. All of them are going to media rather than getting into a room and talking like matured people.