Today, Monday, July 25, 2005 Many organizations and individuals are gathering in order to raise their voices for reinstating democracy and a peaceful resolution to the current conflict.

What is interesting about this is that those organizing the event expect to be jailed. They realize that they will be protesting in what is still considered a restricted zone by the government. With the lifting of the State of Emergency these individuals and organizations feel they are expressing their freedom of speech, which is a basic human right.

I have attached the press statement below.

Citizen’s Movement for Democracy and Peace Public Demonstration for Democracy and Peace

July 25, 2005, Monday, Afternoon 4 p.m. at Ratna Park

King Gyanendra has dismantled the democratic system established through people’s movement in 1990. Constitutional Monarchy has converted itself into absolute one. Citizen’s right to organize and associate has been hijacked. Free press has been strangled. Unelected and unaccountable individuals are in the seat of power. All this has further entrenched ongoing conflicts in Nepal.

The alliance of seven political parties and professional and citizen’s organizations have been protesting king’s absolute rule for some time. In a recent meeting participated by various members of professional and citizen’s organization have decided to add impetus to the collective struggle by initiating Citizen’s Movement for Democracy and Peace. This movement aims to both protect the democratic system established in 1990 and contribute to its further advancement in the interest of an inclusive state and people-oriented governance. The goal of this movement is to help establish popular sovereignty irreversibly.

As its first public program, a peaceful protest demonstration is to be held on July 25, at 4 p.m. at Ratna Park. Leaders and members of various professional organizations and concerned citizens will take part in the protest. We invite all concerned to come and bless the protest.

On Behalf of,

Citizen’s Movement for Democracy and Peace Coordination Committee

Dr. Devendra Raj Panday Dr. Mathura P. Shrestha Shri Krishna Pahadi