Hundreds of people from all walks of life formed a human chain on a from Singha Durbar to the UN Office, Pulchowk in a bid to internationalise the Indian blockade of Nepal.

A large number of students, academicians, artists, politicians and civil society members stood for an hour starting at 2pm along the road, forming a chain on either side between Pulchowk and the country’s secretariat. Organisers said over 12,000 people joined the demonstration.

The undeclared blockade has been causing an acute shortage of petroleum products in the country, and has been affecting public life for more than two months. The effect has been dreadful in the transportation sector.

Subodh Raj Pyakurel, chairman of the Informal Sector Service Centre, said the protest was a campaign to show solidarity against India’s move. “The blockade is against international laws and treaties. We want to draw the attention of the international community to the humanitarian crisis caused by it,” said Pyakurel.

Former prime minister and CPN-UML senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal, singer Komal Oli, actress Basundhara Bhusal, comedian Deepashree Niraula, national players and other well-known public figures attended the protest.

Last week, students, teachers and parents in Kathmandu Valley had formed a human chain around the Ring Road to protest the blockadeby India.