Artist Warns Self-Immolation If Police Fail to Register Caste Discrimination Case in Pokhara

Pokhara. Artist and political activist Mahesh Godar has released a video warning that he will self-immolate at the gate of the District Police Office if action is not taken against the guilty parties, citing that remnants of caste discrimination still persist in society.

He claimed that the police administration has been delaying the registration of the complaint related to caste discrimination, and that the victim is finding it difficult to get justice due to political and social pressure. 

According to the complaint, on Falgun 9, Sant Bahadur Bishwakarma, who was attending the wedding feast of Kashiram Ghimire's son at Namaste Party Palace in Pokhara Metropolitan City-26, was allegedly subjected to derogatory and untouchability-based behavior on the basis of caste.

The victim claims that when he went to stand in line for food, neighbor Sabitri Baral publicly stopped him saying, "Don't stand in line, Kashiram Sir has asked to arrange a separate plate for you," and made statements telling him not to touch the kitchen.

Victim Sant Bahadur Bishwakarma stated that due to this behavior, he had to leave without eating, couldn't sleep all night, and although Kashiram Ghimire came home the next day to apologize, he insisted on legal action.

Warning of Self-Immolation If Complaint Not Registered

Mahesh Godar alleged that attempts are being made to prevent the registration of the complaint under the protection of political and social power, stating, "If the police delay registering this caste discrimination case or try to acquit the guilty under pressure, I will self-immolate myself at the gate of the Kaski District Police Office."

He expressed his commitment to struggle, even staking his life if necessary, against the untouchability and discrimination prevalent in society.

Demand for Legal Action and Compensation

Godar demanded the maximum punishment for the guilty and appropriate compensation for the victim according to the Caste and Other Untouchability and Discrimination (Offenses and Punishments) Act, 2068. Reminding that Nepal's constitution also completely prohibits caste untouchability and discrimination, he stated that the administration must take impartial and effective steps.

Furthermore, Godar expressed sadness over some social tendencies presenting the incident as a fight between Dalits and non-Dalits, opining that it should be viewed as a social crime.

Mahesh Godar is a central committee member and proportional representation candidate for the Progressive Democratic Party.

It has now become a matter of interest in Pokhara whether the police administration will register the complaint and proceed with an impartial investigation into this incident.