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Thousands rally to end political deadlock

New movement's launch event aims for positive change
Thousands rally to end political deadlock
Media group is urging people to seek positive change instead of grumbling
Published: November 12, 2012 07:56 AM GMT
Updated: November 12, 2012 08:31 AM GMT

About 30,000 people gathered in central Kathmandu on Saturday in a new campaign that aims to break Nepal's ongoing political deadlock. The event, called "One Nepali, One Resolution,"  was organized by Kantipur Media Group, the country’s biggest press and radio company. The group claims that this new movement is far from just a protest group. Sambhav Sirohiya, one of the organizers, said the movement aims to generate a positive way of thinking “that will encourage Nepalis to make an effort themselves instead of always grumbling about things.” Nepal has seen its fledgling democracy grind to a halt in recent months as a constituent assembly failed to draw up a new constitution. Elections that had been scheduled for the end of this month have had to be postponed. During the event, participants were encouraged to write positive statements on white boards about what they could do to help Nepal move forward. “I will join politics and do my best, as politics need youths like me,” read one message scribbled in Nepali. Others said they would help fight corruption and bad governance. A number of bands performed on stage and Deepak Raj Giri, a renowned comedian, prompted cheers from the audience when he vowed to donate 10 percent of his monthly income to the poor. “People need change," he said, "and what a wonderful way to start this campaign. We must keep this zeal in us alive for the betterment of the country.” While the event was seen as an alternative to Nepal’s fractured politics, it was the government’s Chief Secretary Lila Mani Poudel who perhaps best summed up the approach organizers said they were looking for. Writing on a white board, she wrote in Nepali: “Change begins from within oneself.” Related reports Country marks Peace Day amid turmoilAssembly fails to draft constitution

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