The Joint Political Dalit Struggle Committee along with a dozen Dalit organisations has submitted a five-point demand to Prime Minsiter Pushpa Kamal Dahal, warning of a nation-wide protest if their demands are not met. 

The demands are related to the murder of Laxmi Pariyar in Kavre. Pariyar was physical assaulted and allegedly force-fed human faeces over witchcraft allegation by Hira Tamang, a local school teacher. 

In the memorandum, they have demanded action against Prem Pukar Chaudhary, in-charge at Chaubas Police Station for detaining spouse of the deceased, Milan Pariyar, on false charges. They claim that police have turned a blind eye to a threat from the murder accused Hira Lama to kill Milan Pariyar inside the prison. 

The Dalit delegation demanded strong action against the perpetrator, compensation to the victim’s family, guarantee of security for villagers of Sanobangthali and immediate release of Milan Pariyar. 

Coordinator of the committee Dambar Biswokarma expressed concern over government’s apathy towards booking a murderer. The Dalit movement leaders also warned of a nationwide movement if the perpetrators were not punished.

PM Dahal assured the delegation that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. “There has been an increase in the number of assaults on Dalit community as the political achievement made in the past is being discredited,” PM Dahal told the delegation. “I am persistently working to provide justice for the victims.” 

Although Nepal enacted a Caste Based Discrimination and Untouchability Offence and Punishment Act in 2011, the practice of discrimination against the Dalit community continues.