RAUTAHAT, JULY 13 Persistent rainfall has temporarily halted a Kathmandu-bound 'Justice March' by victims of exploitative loan sharking (meter-byaj) in Chandranigahapur, Rautahat, but participants say their protest will continue until their demands are met. The march, launched to press the government to address the plight of loan sharking victims, has been suspended due to adverse weather. However, participants insisted the pause would not weaken their movement. Seventy-five-year-old Ramnandan Prasad Singh of Nagarain Municipality-4 in Dhanusha, who joined the march, accused the state of shielding those involved in exploitative lending practices. 'It is not only the village loan sharks; the state itself has become a loan shark. Those who exploit us are being protected by the state,' he said. Another participant, 85-year-old Chhedu Yadav of Laxminiya Rural Municipality-1 in Dhanusha, said he had joined the march despite his age, heavy rain and the arduous journey in the hope of securing justice. Protesters say victims should receive justice and property allegedly seized through illegal lending practices should be returned. The protesters have submitted a six-point memorandum to the government demanding the cancellation of fraudulent loan documents, mortgage deeds and land registration transfers linked to loan sharking. They have also called for the formation of a powerful commission to investigate such cases, the establishment of a special tribunal for speedy hearings, the return of unlawfully seized property and a special economic rehabilitation programme for victims. The demands come despite earlier commitments made during discussions at the Ministry of Home Affairs, where authorities agreed to strengthen mechanisms to curb loan sharking, investigate disputed property, provide relief to families driven to suicide and resolve disputes between borrowers and lenders through legal channels. The protesters, however, say those commitments remain largely unimplemented and have warned that their movement will continue until concrete action is taken. Organisers said the march will resume after the weather improves, beginning with a public gathering in Chandranigahapur before participants continue their journey to Kathmandu.