Police used force to disperse demonstrators after they tried to cross the prohibited zone to hand in a statement on the Maina Sunuwar case to Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. Twenty-five were detained for two hours.[break]
Badri Bhushal, Sunita Bohora and her 3-year-old daughter were injured, according to campaigners of the Occupy Baluwatar movement, now in its 52th day.
Larger than usual participation was seen Saturday as it was Maina Sunuwar´s ninth death anniversary.
Sunuwar´s mother Devi and her 18-year-old son reached the spot at 8.45 am, carrying Maina´s photo and garlands to mark the anniversary. Campaigners planned to submit a statement to Dr Bhattarai, demanded strong action against the guilty.
“They know there is a ´no entry zone´. We have to use force if they try to sneak across,” said Inspector Kiran Kunwar.
Youth activist Jagannath Lamichhane said the movement was a platform for victims of gender-based violence and other kinds of injustice and impunity, and also for those who want to steal some limelight.
“Except for about three, all those arrested were volunteer-arrestees. Actually people enjoy getting detained that way. Some deliberately court arrest as it enriches their profile,” he said.
Meanwhile, talking to Republica, Sunuwar´s mother Devi said protection and promotion of those responsible for her daughter´s death cannot be acceptable to anyone. “One´s life may end, but our fight for justice will continue.I and many like me will keep speaking out until the government acts responsibly,” she said.
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