Meter-Interest Victims' 'Justice March' Enters Fifth Day Demanding Legal Reforms

Kathmandu. The 'Justice March' of meter-interest victims, which started from Janakpur on Asar 25, has entered its fifth day on Monday. They, who have walked on foot to Kathmandu to awaken the state and establish their rights, have put forward various demands to the government.

Hundreds of meter-interest victims are walking about 20 to 26 kilometers every day. Those seeking justice are carrying placards with slogans like 'Tear up the promissory notes silently' and 'No need to go to Kathmandu to demand rights'. Organizers have stated that this journey will not stop until it reaches Kathmandu unless their demands are met.

They have primarily demanded that the government abolish fake documents and enact a strong special law. They state that all illegal documents such as promissory notes, sight bonds, chhinna pass, and fake checks should be abolished by a cabinet decision. Similarly, they have urged the government to bring a strong law by making a political commitment to eradicate meter-interest crime.

The victims have also put forward the demand for the formation of a tribunal against meter-interest. They demand that cases registered in court based on fake documents and court proceedings should be made victim-friendly. They have stated that cases filed by moneylenders, arrest warrants should be stayed, and cases that have already been decided should be reviewed. Furthermore, they have demanded the release of arrested victims with compensation and honor, and the formation of an inter-agency monitoring unit under the Home Ministry.

Their other major demand is to investigate the property illegally accumulated by usurers. The victims say that when investigating complaints and disputes, the bank statement of the amount claimed to have been given by the moneylender should be made mandatory. They state that the movable and immovable property usurped by moneylenders should be returned, and government fees for this process should be waived.

They have demanded a serious investigation into the murders, abuse, atrocities against women, and sexual violence caused by meter-interest, and that the perpetrators be punished and the victims compensated. Their final demand is to ensure fair economic transactions. Identifying the reasons why people have to take loans at illegal interest rates, they have demanded that the government bring subsidized financial programs targeting the exploited and oppressed classes.