KATHMANDU: Rain in Kathmandu on Sunday compounded the difficulties faced by protesters, who were forced to sit through the downpour due to a lack of shelter.

Some demonstrators are preparing to spend the night seeking shelter under vehicles, beneath the shade of trees, and in small available refuges.

According to the organizers, the march organized by the “Microfinance and Financial Exploitation Against Farmers and Laborers Movement Nepal” saw the participation of about nine hundred people.

The organizers stated that due to a lack of coordination with the Home Administration and the District Administration Office of Kathmandu stating it could not take responsibility for their accommodation, the protesters decided to stay at Ratnapark itself.

The demonstrators are demanding the abolition of financial exploitation by microfinance institutions, banks, and financial institutions against borrowers, as well as high and compound interest rates, penalties collected under various headings, and miscellaneous fees. They have also warned that they will continue their movement, demanding that the government provide judicial resolution for land mortgage auctions, blacklisting practices, and unjust debt recovery.

Starting from Balkhu with the objective of reaching Singha Durbar, the “Capital March” of microfinance victims was halted at Shanti Batika on Sunday. As security forces prevented them from moving forward, the demonstrators stayed put at Shanti Batika, stating that their protest will not stop until their demands are addressed.