KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 24
Kathmandu Metropolitan City led by Mayor Balendra Shah has turned deaf ears to the protest staged by a group of young protesters at the entrance of the mayor's office at the city hall. The protest has continued for the sixth consecutive day.
At first, some people led by activist Iih had begun a 77-hour long protest against KMC's crackdown on street vendors. However, the twoand-a-half days long protest was extended after KMC officials first agreed to hold talks and then suddenlyturned silent.
Iih's feet is visibly swollen up to the upper part of his leg. A serious health complication is possible if his demands are not addressed promptly. However, the KMC has been turning deaf ears to the outcry of the poor.
Talking to THT, KMC's Deputy Spokesperson Deepak Adhikari said that the demands of the young activist could not be fulfilled as the law do not allow anyone to hold business on the footpath. Similar opinion was expressed by Superintendent of Municipal Police Rajunath Pandey who said that open space is not available inside the KMC to allow street vendors to engage in any kind of business. "Please recommend any open space where we can allow such people to do business. It's better for the youths to end their protest since we have no option at the moment in this regard," Pandey said.
Meanwhile, more support has started pouring in in favour of activism spearheaded by Iih. Today, dozens of laymen and activists joined the protest expressing solidarity with Iih. People have been calling on the local leaders to provide alternative business platforms or solutions to the impoverished small street vendors before banning them from doing business on the footpaths.
Activists have also called Mayor Shah to fulfil the promises he had made before being elected. Mayor Shah had promised to work in favour of the poor, create jobs and help reduce poverty.
But, many people are complaining that Mayor Shah is now favouring only his voters and rich persons who are tax payers and dismissing the pleas of impoverished ones.
Activists have also asked KMC to stop municipal police's brutality against street vendors and asked them to be more compassionate, accountable and proactive.
They have also asked the metropolis to provide alternatives to street vendors such as setting up separate time, spaces and asking for nominal fees. Activists have also called for proactive governance that will make Kathmandu a livable city for all the residents and stakeholders.
Meanwhile, lawmaker and general secretary of Nepali Congress Gagan Kumar Thapa has urged the local government to address the demands of Iih and save his life.
A version of this article appears in the print on September 25, 2023, of The Himalayan Times
