Kathmandu, April 20:

Over 200 artists took part in the first phase of symbolic protest organised by the Loktantrik Lalit Karmi Sangharsa Samiti here today. The first phase of the protest included road painting in the capital.

The artists painted major thoroughfares of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur at night. They spilled red paint over the road in Putalisadak, Anamnagar, New Road, Satdobato, Kalikasthan Dillibazaar, New Baneshwor, Old Baneshwor, Bhaisepati, Kantipath, Bhotahiti, Sohrakhutte, Naxal, Thamel, Kshetrapati, Lazimpat, Maharajgunj, Lagankhel, Jawalakhel and other places condemning government’s suppression of demonstrators. “Red symbolises both revolution as well as cruelty of the security forces over the protesters holding peaceful rally,” said an artist.

The Samiti will also soon organise a painting workshop. “The paintings of the workshop will be put on display to help raise fund for the families of those killed during the protest,” one of the artists said. According to him, the artists will even make sketches of those who have sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy.

The Samiti that consists of representatives from over 20 organisations associated with the fine arts also collected Rs 17,515 for the fund set up for the injured during the protest.