KATHMANDU: On the occasion of Nepal Sambat 1130, Newa Dea Guthi Nepalmandal (NDGN) today organised a walkathon demanding that Kathmandu valley be declared a Newar autonomous state.

Narendra Bhakta Hada, president NDGN said that the walkathon was organised to create awareness and thereby appealing people to raise voice for a Newar autonomous state.

The walkathon started from Hanumandhoka Durbar Square and ended at to Patan Durbar Square. Hada informed that prominent political leaders from various parties including Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Mangal Siddhi Manandhar, Rajendra Shrestha, Padma Ratna Tuladhar, and Malla K Sundar inaugurated the walkathon by ringing the big bell at Hanumandhoka.

Meanwhile, Bijaya Ranjit, central member of NDGN informed that grass-root programmes were afoot to create awareness among Newars. “NDGN seeks unity among Newars and is also pressuring the government to ensure their rights in the new constitution,” he said.