Pokhara, September 15

Locals and rights activists staged a demonstration in Pokhara today seeking justice for Nirmala Panta, who was raped and murdered on July 26 in Bhimdatta Municipality-2, Kanchanpur.

Hundreds of locals carrying banners reading ‘Justice for Nirmala’ participated in the demonstration that started from Manab Adhikar Chowk of Pokhara in the afternoon and passed through BP Chowk and Mahendrapul before returning to Manab Adhikar Chowk, where it converged into a corner meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof ChandradeviBhatta wondered how long the government would take to hear the plea for justice in cases of rape, murder, violence against women and girls.

“We are practising the world’s best and fairest polity, but it’s very unfortunate that long after we’ve got democracy, the state has failed to do the needful to make our societies safe,” she said, calling on everyone to join the campaign seeking justice for Nirmala.

Another speaker Ganesh Poudel bemoaned the lack of security for women, while litterateur SaraswotiPratikshya also recalled the rape of SuntaliDhamiby a security personnel in the past. “It’s very heart-rending to see the victim families begging for justice as the state mechanism remains a mute spectator.”