KATHMANDU: The sound of 'we want justice, we want justice' rang through the crowd that had gathered today in the capital city as part of the nationwide movement carried out seeking justice for Nirmala Panta. People from various parts of the country took out rallies today. They marched to express solidarity and demand justice for Nirmala, who more than 50 days ago had been raped and murdered in Kanchanpur. The mass rally in Kathmandu was part of this country-wide initiative. A large number of people, possibly in thousands, had gathered in and around Maitighar Mandala this afternoon. The march began from there at 1:10 pm and moved towards New Baneshwar, chanting slogans demanding action from government and raising their voices against the unjustifiable delay in serving justice to Nirmala and her family. People from all walks of life were seen passionately participating in the march, which in addition to seeking justice for Nirmala also aimed at drawing the authorities’ attention to increasing instances of rape, rape followed by murder, other forms of sexual violence and violence against women. The rally was organised under the citizens’ initiative #JusticeForNirmala, which had taken the social media by storm after the fateful Kanchanpur incident, turning into a forum where people could come together and collectively raise their voices against such a contemptible crime. Today's march was a continuation of a similar rally under the same initiative that was held on August 25. However, today's rally witnessed participation of a much larger crowd, which included professionals from various fields, students, men, women, senior citizens, mediapersons, rights activists, writers, political commentators, security personnel among others. Among some renowned personalities participating in the march was Dr Govinda KC. 'I have come here seeking justice, I have come here demanding justice for Nirmala,' he said. 'It is the state's responsibility to immediately arrest the culprit(s) and then take action. At least for the sake of humanity, this should have been done. But lack of humanity and sense of responsibility is evident. The murderer must be forthwith arrested.' Other prominent figures who were present in the rally were activist and littérateur Khagendra Sangraula, political commentator and writer Yug Pathak, activist Bandana Rana, politician Sunil Thapa, actor Richa Sharma, television personality Rabi Lamichhane among others. Sunil Thapa, General Secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Democratic expressed that being a father himself, he was there to express solidarity towards the cause and zero tolerance against such incidents of violence against women. Nirmala Panta's parents — who are presently in the capital city seeking justice for their daughter — were also present in today's rally to be a part of the mass initiative. READ ALSO:

• Nepal to march on Saturday seeking #JusticeForNirmala