KATHMANDU: People with disabilities began a relay hunger strike in Bhadrakali on Wednesday, demanding that at least four people from the community be nominated to the new Constituent Assembly. The government is yet to nominate 26 lawmakers to the Constituent Assembly.

The community led by the National Federation of the Disabled-Nepal (NFDN) has been staging demonstrations since Janaury 8. It had been organizing rallies and staging sit-ins around the Federation’s office in Bhrikuti Mandap, except for a brief hiatus when Interim Election Government Chairman Khil Raj Regmi agreed to meet with them.

Seven members from the community are currently enrolled in the relay hunger strike , with one member expected to fast for 24 hours at a time.

Tika Dahal, secretary of Federation of the Disabled-Nepal, said since words of Regmi and other political leaders have only been assurances, the protest will continue. “If this relay hunger strike goes unnoticed by the government, we will stage a fast-unto-death,” Dahal said.

The previous Constituent Assembly had three representatives with disabilities. According to NFDN, there are around 30 lakh people with disabilities in the country.

Definite dedication for their beliefs. To read more go to Global Accessibility News.