Valley
Youths stage symbolic protest against 601 MPs (photo feature)
Silence protest organised in support of Dr KC’s demands
Milan Poudel
Despite the continuous downpour since early morning significant number of youths gathered at New Baneshwor, Kathmandu for a symbolic protest to draw the attention of silent Members of Parliament towards TUTH senior orthopedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC's indefinite hunger strike on Thursday.
Today is the 12th day of Dr KC’s eighth hunger strike seeking reforms in Nepal’s medical education sector. Dr. KC’s health has been deteriorating further and doctors attending to him have said that he might need emergency medical care any moment.
The solidarity campaign's theme was to allegorically protest the silence of 601 MP indicating that they were in cahoots with goons and medical hoodlums and that they can't speak up for the issues that significantly affect the common people's life.
Cadres affiliated to BibekSheel Nepali, a newly formed party, participated actively in the campaign. BibekSheel Nepali Chairman & President Ujwal Thapa remarked it was all because of fear that nothing was happening from the government's side to address the cause of Dr. KC despite massive media coverage.
"It's because of fear of CIAA, among other authorities, elderly and intellectual Kathmanduites are reluctant to participate in the campaign. They fear that the string can shake the whole herd,” adds Thapa, “It's just insane than we are if convicted are regarded guilty until proven innocent. It's just, people like you and me supporting the cause, trying to speak up against injustice."
Thapa believes the struggle is not just between the Doctor, his life and the government. It's a struggle of 30 million Nepalese and their right to fair and affordable health facilities.
BibekSheel Nepali is organizing a mass gathering at Maitighar Mandala on Saturday 23 July, 2016. They expect minimum of 10,000 people's participation on the program. The program is being organised to exert pressure on the government to address the demands raised forth by Dr KC.