Kathmandu, April 30:

Seven protesters who were critically injured during the 19-day-long people’s movement are still battling for their lives. Jahangir Khan, struck by a bullet in his head, is in a critical condition. Though the bullet has been taken out, Khan is not out of danger and is currently being treated in the Critical Care Unit of Kathmandu Model Hospital. Ram Lal Maharjan, too, is on life support at HAMS hospital at Tripureshwor.

The condition of Gorakh Thapa, who sustained bullet injuries in one leg and his abdomen is also critical. So is the condition of Gokarna Tiwari, whose right leg has already been amputated. Jeewan Nepali is critical as well. All of them are being treated at B&B hospital, Gwarko. Mukesh Kayastha, who has contracted meningitis after being hit by a bullet in his head, will now be treated by a panel of neurosurgeons.

Chandra Dailakot, also seriously hurt, is undergoing treatment at the Medicare Hospital at Chabahil.

General secretary of the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) Dr Kiran Shrestha said all the above-mentioned pro-democracy protesters are still not out of danger. NMA has vowed to provide free healthcare services to all the seriously injured persons for the rest of their lives. “Rs 26 lakh has gone into the treatment of those injured during the people’s movement,” Dr Shrestha said.

According to NMA, a total of 6,000 demonstrators were injured during the 19 days of the pro-democracy movement.