New Delhi, January 29:

Thousands of Nepali migrants in New Delhi today staged a protest rally and a mass meet at Jantarmantar against the municipal polls scheduled for February 8. A large number of security personnel were deployed in front of the Nepali embassy at Barhakhamba, 1.5 km away from the demonstration venue.

An embassy official said the security personnel were deployed to avoid any untoward incident. The rally was jointly organised by various bodies of Nepali migrants in India - The Prabasi Nepali Sangh, Nepali Janasamparka Samittee Bharat and Mulprabaha Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj. They are affiliated to various agitating Nepali political parties. Thousands of Nepalis from Punjab, Hariyana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhatisgarh took part in the rally reportedly attended by over 20,000 people.The protesters shouted slogans against the autocracy and the civic polls. Addressing the mass meet, speakers said the programme was organised to show their solidarity with the people’s movement for democracy in Nepal.

President of the Nepali Janasamparka Samittee, Bharat, Yadunath Pandey said the stir was against the monarchy “that has stood against the people’s sovereignty”. “There is no alternative to the democracy and Nepalis abroad are ready to extend their support to the fight for democracy in every way,” he added.

Chairman of the Mulprabaha Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekta Samaj, Giridharilal Neupane, said the country’s politics is oriented towards a republican set-up. Advisor to the Prabasi Nepali Sangh, Chhabilal Bishwokarma, said the King can never represent the people.