Kathmandu, August 18:

Representatives of civic society today gathered at the Maiti Ghar Mandala to protest against the government’s lukewarm response to the people’s demand for a democratic republic.

Hundreds of people, from different professional sectors held a dharna against the “fascist” nature of the government, and urged the leaders of political parties to announce a date for elections to constituent assembly and to give a constructive way out to the peace process. The programme was organised by Citizens’ Movement for Democracy and Peace (CMDP).

Addressing the programme, Dr Devendra Raj Panday, the coordinator of CMDP said political leaders and parliamentarians have been indifferent towards the voice of the street and warned that a citizens’ movement can any day block the way to Singha Durbar and Gallary Baithak if they remained same for long.