KATHMANDU, May 12: Senior orthopedic surgeon Dr Govinda KC has initiated his 22nd fast-unto-death, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Dr KC who began the hunger strike at 3 PM on Saturday at Mrigasthali in the Pashupati area of Kathmandu asserts that the Prime Minister must step down immediately. He has cited Dahal's alleged involvement in grave crimes against humanity and war crimes during the armed conflict as the basis for his demand.
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He has also demanded a logical conclusion of the transitional justice process, ensuring that the victims feel they have got justice.
He asserted that after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the individuals and parties which committed human rights abuses, crimes against humanity and war crimes during the conflict are still in power. Dr KC alleged that they are trying to avoid punishment by suppressing the investigation process through gross misuse of power.
Before starting his fast-unto-death, Dr KC, in a press release, said thousands of victims were denied justice. He maintained that even according to international law, there is no provision for reduction of punishment and amnesty for people involved in anti-humanity and war crimes.
He has also demanded that all Nepalis should get quality health care and free medicine and that the agreements the government has reached with him at different times in the past be implemented.
Dr KC was previously engaged in peaceful protest for four months. He said that he had to resort to the fresh protest as the government had failed to meet his demands.
