Kathmandu, April 12:

The US ambassador to Nepal, James F Moriarty, today urged members of the American DV Victims Association (ADVVA) to call off their hunger strike.

The protesters have been demanding that fees charged during visa interviews be refunded and adequate compensation paid.

A press statement issued by the American Centre, Embassy of the United States, quoted Moriarty as urging the protesters outside the embassy to think first of themselves and their families and to call off the hunger strike.

“As we explained to this group of protesters in a face-to-face meeting with my deputy on February 5 and March 13, no visa is worth damaging your health,” the ambassador said. “I urge these individuals to think first about their families, lives and future in Nepal and give up the futile protest,” the release quoted the ambassador.

The embassy, on behalf of all Nepali immigrant visa applicants, condemns these actions and calls on this group to halt such behaviour immediately, the release said.

“If such threats interfered or halted physical examination for immigrant visa application, the embassy would be unable to process any immigrant visa application by which thousands of other Nepalis would not be able to emigrate to America,” the release added.

Meanwhile, the members of ADVVA continued their fast-unto-death for the third day today.

Responding to the US ambassador’s statement, Ghanshyam Basyal, the ADVVA president, said, “Apart from adequate compensation, we want the money we spent during visa interviews refunded.”

“We have met government officials and human rights activists, but have not received satisfactory response on the matter from them.” The health of those on fast is deteriorating, he said.