A major public demonstration was held in Kathmandu on Monday by the Rastriya Ekta Dal to protest against violent incidents in Kaptanganj, Dewanaganj Rural Municipality-3 of Sunsari district. Demonstrators demanded an impartial investigation into the event, strict action against those responsible, and immediate justice for the victim's family. The organizers subsequently issued a strict 24-hour ultimatum to the government to address their core grievances.
Following the protest, speakers addressed a corner assembly and announced that if the government fails to respond within the given timeframe, Rastriya Ekta Dal Chairman Vinay Yadav will begin an indefinite hunger strike. The fast-unto-death program has been called for 11:00 AM on Shrawan 14, 2083 BS at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu, with organizers appealing for broad public participation.
Participants carried placards and banners calling attention to what they described as a serious threat to religious tolerance, public safety, and the rule of law. Speakers emphasized that the government must act swiftly to disclose the truth behind the Dewanaganj violence and hold perpetrators accountable according to the law.
The organizers also made public a specific list of demands submitted to the government during the protest. These include declaring the deceased a martyr, ensuring full medical treatment for the injured, enacting laws providing the death penalty for jihadists, immediately deporting Rohingya and Bengali refugees, abolishing Muslim reservations, and dissolving the Muslim Commission.
Speakers further urged the government to establish a high-level investigation committee for a fair inquiry and to provide appropriate relief and compensation to the victim's family. They stressed that the state must enforce the law equally without partiality to restore public trust and security.
The Kathmandu demonstration concluded peacefully amidst tight security arrangements, with no untoward incidents reported. However, government authorities have not issued an official response to the demands or the 24-hour ultimatum at the time of publication.
