Kathmandu, July 27
Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, Mayor of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality in Khotang, has begun a ‘Satyagraha’ protest in Kathmandu demanding the right to use local raw materials freely.
Mayor Bhattarai claims that federal laws have obstructed the use of locally available raw materials and is calling for their amendment.
He began his protest at Maitighar Mandala, shaving his head and donning white clothes. He is sitting on a straw mat laid with a blanket and has bamboo sticks placed beside him.
He has displayed placards with slogans such as “We don’t need money, give us policy — let’s build a self-reliant society,” “Let’s protect, not destroy nature,” “Climate change impacts: uncontrolled crushers in rivers,” and “Worship nature, protect all living beings.”
Several local leaders and elected representatives have joined him in support.
Initially, Bhattarai had planned to stage the protest in front of the southern gate of Singha Durbar to draw government attention. However, due to restrictions in that area, he relocated to Maitighar Mandala.
