Mayor Bhattarai on fast-unto-death at Maitighar Mandala admitted to hospital

By Raj Kumar Bhattarai, Khotang, July 31: Mayor of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, who is on a hunger strike to death, has been admitted to the hospital. 

Mayor Bhattarai's secretariat said that he has been admitted to Bir Hospital on the advice of a doctor.

Mayor started his fast-unto-death at Maitighar Mandala on Wednesday after his demands were not met, following a three-day hunger strike, which he began on July 27, from 9 am to 5 pm. 

When his demands were still not addressed following the three-day hunger strike, he began his indefinite hunger strike on July 30, vowing not to break it until his demands are met.

Mayor Bhattarai has been admitted to the hospital on the advice of a doctor due to health problems.

 He is continuing his indefinite hunger strike at the hospital.

Nepal Police tried to pick up Mayor Bhattarai, who was on fast-unto-death at Maitighar Mandala on Wednesday evening, causing an altercation between the police and Mayor Bhattarai's supporters.

His demands include the formulation of policies for the management of monkeys and other wild animals, preparing building codes and norms to promote the use of bamboo and raw materials in government offices, enacting laws to control industries such as crusher plants that overexploit natural resources, creating laws to allow local governments to levy an additional 10 per cent tax on industries producing plastic waste and causing pollution, and taking action against contractors who have abandoned incomplete roads and bridges along the roads linking Kathmandu to Khotang to ensure their completion.