KATHMANDU: Victims of alleged microfinance-related exploitation have begun an indefinite hunger strike at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu, escalating their protest against the government.
The protesters, who staged a “Capital March” on Sunday to draw the government’s attention to their demands, launched the hunger strike on Tuesday morning.
They have called on the government to make public and implement previous reports related to the microfinance sector.
The protesters are also demanding an end to what they describe as financial exploitation of borrowers by microfinance institutions, banks and other financial institutions. Their demands include scrapping high and compound interest rates, as well as penalties and various service charges imposed under different headings.
They have further urged the government to ensure judicial resolution of disputes involving land collateral auctions, blacklisting of borrowers, and what they describe as unfair debt recovery practices.
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