But then she could also not have thought that she would be the reason for hundreds of youths to come together to wage war against the injustices at the hands of the state machinery. [break]
Rai´s case spread like a wildfire giving birth to ´Occupy Baluwatar´ campaign on December 28, 2012. But as violence against women was the most common thing happening in the society the campaign soon extended its arms to embrace the cases of Saraswati Subedi, Siba Hasmi, Bindu Thakur and Chhorimaiya Maharjan.
After continuous protests in front of the Prime Minister´s residence in Baluwatar for 107 days, the activists have decided suspend the campaign for 15 days after the current government assured them of action.
“What has encouraged us more is a thank you note by Rai´s father who broke his silence after the CIAA filed charges against the airport officials. He told us that he is now hopeful that justice has begun to prevail in this country, the system seems to be changing and the perpetrator would be booked sooner or later,” said Jagannath Lamichhane, an activist.
“None of the family members of Rai had ever shown interest in the movement till now. But her father thanked us and the high-level monitoring committee with his whole heart. This has deeply touched and encouraged us.”
Following the pressure created by the movement, which also had the supported of social media users by the thousands, the government had expedited investigations on all cases. Saraswati Subedi´s case, which was initially suspected to be a murder, subsided as two post mortem reports confirmed that she has committed a suicide. Her family members are not satisfied with the report, but the government decision to educate Subedi´s 4th grader daughter for free at (Save our soul) SOS school has consoled them.
Further investigation in the case of Siba Hasmi and Bindu Thakur, who were burnt to death, was confirmed to be honor killing and the perpetrators have been booked. What has not seen any progress is Chhorimaiya Maharjan´s search and this has left her daughters in a deep psychological trauma.
“We wish we could see a glimpse of our dear mother. Her memory is killing us every day,” said Sudha Maharjan.
"Yesterday we were assured by Regmi that justice would be done to all the victims and systematic reforms would be brought and the result would be visible in just 15 days,” said Lamichhane. He warned that the campaign would resume if the government failed to take steps as promised.
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