Thousands of people, protested in front of the Singh Durbar gate, demanding announcement of elections to a constituent assembly in order to ensure equal participation of all and inclusive democracy in the country.

Various rallies started from different parts of the city and converged at the Singh Durbar, where the first session of the reinstated House of Representatives was taking place.

People from various indigenous and backward communities and some representatives of NGOs called for elections to a constituent assembly so as to ensure their participation in the making of new constitution and the subsequent process of nation-building.

Buddhists, Dalits, disabled people, human rights activists, civil society members and journalists were also present on the occasion.

Prominent rights activists, journalists and ethnic rights activists staged a sit-in outside the Singh Durbar main gate for over two hours while others chanted slogans for an end to monarchy, creation of a constituent assembly and assurance of ethnic rights.

The Civic Movement for Democracy and Peace, Human Rights Organisation of Nepal, National Dalit Journalists’ Organisation, Families of Citizens Disappeared by the State, Newar Forum for Political Rights, United People’s Movement Committee of Gongabu, and several other organisations participated in the programme. nepalnews.com pb Apr 29 06