More than thirty victims of microfinance breached heavy security measures and entered the Federal Parliament in Nepal on Monday, staging protests and chanting slogans on the House of Representatives premises. Despite stringent security protocols requiring special entry passes and inspections by both the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, the protestors managed to enter the Parliament building through a gate with fewer security personnel.
The protesters reportedly entered through Naya Baneshwor Chowk via gate number two, breaching restrictions that only allow MPs to use that entrance. Dasharatha Dhamala, the Lower House’s assistant spokesperson, acknowledged that the protestors exploited a lapse in security and entered the parliament grounds where they protested and chanted slogans.
The breach occurred while the House was in session, despite protests being prohibited within the parliament area and the presence of heavily armed security personnel. Protesters inside the building laid on the ground, insisting that their demands be met, regardless of the consequences. Numerous demonstrators were detained by police, and an inquiry committee consisting of three members, led by SSP Dineshraj Mainali, has been established to investigate the breach. The committee is tasked with identifying weaknesses in security protocols and submitting a report on the incident.
The protests stem from grievances against microfinance institutions, with demonstrators demanding a reduction in exorbitant interest rates, loan forgiveness, removal of loan defaulters from blacklists, and the release of collateral. Victims of loan sharks, facing similar issues with local moneylenders, have also been demonstrating in Kathmandu.
Although the government reportedly called for negotiations with the committee representing usury victims, meetings did not occur on Monday. A negotiation team led by Joint Secretary Rudra Prasad Pandit has been formed, and reconciliation efforts are underway, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The victims of usury, who arrived in Kathmandu last year after a fourteen-day walk, claim that the government has not taken sufficient action to address their concerns despite agreements made previously. The protests highlight the urgent need for reforms in microfinance and money lending practices to alleviate the financial burden on vulnerable individuals and communities.
