KATHMANDU: An apolitical event "Occupy Tundikhel" has been formally inaugurated, marking the World Freedom Day, today.

At the commencement of the event, main organiser Bijaya Shrestha shared a vision that "open space should remain open", while other main activists Alok Siddhi Tuladhar and Ganapati Lal Shrestha shared their thoughts regarding the necessity of carrying out the event.

Through the event, activists are drawing the government's attention to the long-debated issue of Tundikhel (Tinkhya in Nepal Bhasa) encroachment, through a peaceful protest.

In his brief speech, activist Tuladhar shared that the event has been named “Occupy Tundikhel” to encourage the people to take charge of the open space which is presently being held by the government, and in doing so to "liberate" the land. And if the objective in liberating the historic land is fulfilled, then it would be called "Mukta Tundikhel".

He also shared that the event is a non-profit and apolitical activity which will be held once every week on Saturdays for three months in various places around Tundikhel, marked by cultural activities, art competitions, discussions and such until the government listens to the protest.

While another activist Ganapati Lal Shrestha, referring Tundikhel as the Lungs of Kathmandu, shared that this protest is about making the government realise their duty and locals aware of their right.

Pratima Ranjit, one of the locals, shared that Tundikhel has much significance since there is no other open space which sheltered people during the massive earthquakes and is a common area for Kathmandu denizens for sports and other recreations. She added that the government has to come up with a big plan to manage the disorder being faced all around Kathmandu.

Another participant at the programme, Siddanta Bhatta, a student, recognises the programme as a relevant one and signifies that Tundikhel is actually a place where one can relieve their stress, and hence we should try to save it.

Along with members of various institutions and organisations, and general public, the event saw the participation of well-known artists like Yogeshwor Amatya and Nirmal Sharma, politicians like Baburam Bhattarai, Hishila Yami, Nepali Congress youth leader Gagan Thapa, Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Hari Prabha Khadgi, Constituent Assembly member Bhimsen Das Pradhan, Bibeksheel leader Milan Pandey, journalists Rabi Lamichhane and Rishi Dhamala, and other representatives.

Towards the conclusion of the event, people went outside the Khula Manch to form a human chain across the area from Ratnapark to Tundikhel's Army Pavilion. The human chain was tied by a green ribbon symbolising the essence of greenery in the campaign.

The programme was then concluded by flying white balloons from the stage of Khula Manch.

Some Glimpses: