'Government, is there a room available?' Caste-discrimination satyagraha hits 200 days, Baburam Bhattarai joins in solidarity

The satyagraha being held at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu against caste discrimination, under the question "Government, is there a room available?", completed 200 days on Wednesday.

The protest was started on Baishakh 6 by Deepa Nepali, MP Bimala Bik and some other youths. Deepa Nepali has been standing at the mandala every day with the same question.

The movement's main demand is to end the discrimination of being asked one's caste when searching for rented rooms. The protesters are also demanding a clear law that makes caste discrimination in house rent punishable, and the implementation of a 'zero tolerance' policy against untouchability.

Activists from both Dalit and non-Dalit communities have been taking part in the satyagraha. The protesters say they are continuing the sit-in because the government has not effectively addressed their demands.

On Wednesday, former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai reached Maitighar to express solidarity. Bhattarai said caste discrimination and untouchability carried out in the name of the so-called caste system is the biggest human stigma of the 21st century.

He recalled that this issue was made a central agenda during the decade-long people's war and is also clearly written into the constitution. He said that although discrimination has ended in principle, the law needed for its implementation has still not been made.

He also said that discrimination arising from religion and culture could be reformed gradually. Journalist Rishi Dhamala also reached Maitighar along with Bhattarai.