The protesting Tharus have demanded that the government declare the slain youths martyrs, punish the Chief District Officer (CDO) of Dang and provide treatment expenses to the injured and compensation to other victims.
They also chanted slogans demanding the resignation of Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam and action against police personnel opening fire at the youths who were slain.
According to central president of the Tharuhat Joint State Council (TJSC) Yogendra Tharu, the rally will converge into a condolence meeting after going around Lamahi Bazar.
YogendraTharu said that they will intensify the protest further until the government guarantees a separate identity for the Tharu community and meets its other demands.
The agitators started gathering at Lathhawa since early morning, defying the indefinite curfew clamped by local authorities on Friday.
There is no police presence although the rally with thousands of participants has started marching through curfew areas.
Journalist Suresh Shrestha, who is at the site of the protests, said some 10,000 Tharu people have taken part in the demonstration. Most protestors are carrying staves in their hands.
TJSC Central President Tharu said they will not take possession of the bodies of those killed until the government declares them martyrs. "We are being asked to take the bodies. We will not do so until the deceased are declared martyrs," said Tharu.
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