Kathmandu, September 16:

Members of the Badi community today criticised the government at Ratna Park through a number of Teej and Deuda songs.

Mocking the government through Teej and Deuda songs, they told the government either to meet their demands or shoot them. Addressing a function held by the National Badi Rights Struggle Committee (NBRSC), Binod Pahadi, convener of the Dalit Nagarik Andolan, said the government should not compel the Badi community to go for violent movements. Convener of the Dalit Women’s Campaign for Constituent Assembly Polls, Gaura Nepali, said the Badi women want to transform the society through creative ways.

Coordinator of the Badi Movement Coordination Committee Arjun Badi threatened to launch struggles in the districts if the government remains indifferent to their demands.

President of the Feminist Dalit Organisation (FEDO) Durga Sob promised to seek support from the NGOs for the cause of the Badi people.

According to Binod Pahadi, members of the parliament Padma Lal Biswokarma and Parsuram Ramtel are working to pave the way for talks between the agitating Badi community and the government. He said that the government might call them for talks anytime soon. Some 450 Badi people had come to the Valley one month ago with the help of Action Aid and Save the Children Norway. Currently, only 200 Badi people are agitating as many of them have left the Valley.

Urging the government to meet a host of demands, including the creation of an environment in which they can lead a decent life, Badi people have been staging an agitation. Various organisations and individuals have been providing for them.

Meanwhile, the 30-day-long third phase of struggle of the Badi people concluded today. The NBRSC is preparing to announce the fourth phase of the struggle tomorrow.