Diktel Mayor begins protest in Kathmandu demanding use of local raw materials

KATHMANDU, July 27 – Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, Mayor of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality in Khotang, has launched a peaceful protest (Satyagraha) at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu, calling for the right to freely use locally available raw materials.

Mayor Bhattarai says current federal laws are blocking local governments from using natural resources in their own areas and is demanding changes to these laws.

He began his protest by shaving his head, wearing white clothes, and sitting on a straw mat with a blanket and bamboo sticks beside him. Around him, placards carry messages like: “We don’t need money, give us policies — 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 come to support him.

Originally, Bhattarai had planned to protest in front of the southern gate of Singha Durbar to directly draw the government's attention, but due to restrictions there, he shifted the protest to Maitighar Mandala.

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