400 Meter Interest Victims March Nearly 100 Kilometers Toward Kathmandu, Demand Justice and Stronger Laws

Around 400 victims of illegal high-interest lending, commonly known as "meter interest," are continuing a long protest march toward Kathmandu, demanding justice, stronger legal protection, and the implementation of previous agreements signed with the government.

The protesters, carrying banners and chanting slogans such as "Cancel fraudulent loan documents," "Punish loan sharks," and "Implement past agreements," began their march from Tirhutiyagachhi in Janakpur on Asar 25. After walking nearly 100 kilometers, they have reached Chandranigahpur in Rautahat, where they are spending the night before continuing their journey toward the capital.

Protesters Continue Despite Rain, Heat, and Physical Pain

The journey has become increasingly difficult due to continuous rainfall, high humidity, and scorching temperatures. Many participants have developed swollen feet, blisters, and open wounds after walking long distances for several days.

During the march, one participant, Kulsum Khatun from Siraha, reportedly fainted due to exhaustion and weather-related conditions. She received first aid and later recovered, according to protest leaders.

Several women participating in the march say they are determined to continue despite severe physical pain.

Parbati Kumari, a 25-year-old participant from Siraha, said she only learned about her family's debt after getting married. Although the family wanted to repay the genuine loan amount, she claims excessive interest and fraudulent practices pushed them toward losing their property.

She said the pain in her feet would not stop her from reaching Kathmandu because she wants the government to hear the voices of victims.

Campaigner Laxmi Ghimire also said many participants have developed blisters but remain committed to completing the march.

Marchers Survive on Only Two Meals a Day

The protesters are walking more than 20 kilometers every day while surviving on only two meals daily. Organizers say they have been unable to collect enough donations to provide snacks or additional food during the journey.

According to campaign leader Manoj Paswan, participants contribute between Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 whenever possible, but the collected amount is insufficient to cover all expenses.

Despite limited resources, the protesters continue marching with slogans demanding justice and stronger legal action against illegal money lenders.

Six Major Demands Submitted by Protesters

The protesters have presented a six-point demand to the government, including:

• Cancellation of fraudulent loan agreements, mortgage papers, checks, and other documents through a Cabinet decision.

• Introduction of a stronger and more effective law to control illegal high-interest lending.

• Formation of a special tribunal to ensure faster hearings of meter interest-related cases.

• Review of allegedly false legal cases and establishment of a victim-friendly judicial mechanism.

• Investigation into illegally acquired wealth of money lenders, confiscation of unlawful assets, and examination of banking transactions.

• Return of victims' movable and immovable property, legal action against offenders, compensation for victims, and easier access to fair financial services and loans.

The protesters say these reforms are essential to protect thousands of families affected by exploitative lending practices.

Third Protest March in Recent Years

This is the third major protest march organized by meter interest victims.

The first march took place in March 2023, when victims walked from Bardibas to Kathmandu. That movement ended with a five-point agreement between protesters and the government, leading to the formation of an investigation commission headed by former Special Court Chairperson Gauri Bahadur Karki.

In February 2024, victims again marched from both eastern and western Nepal, resulting in another agreement and the establishment of a second investigation commission led by former judge Tej Bahadur Karki.

However, protesters argue that although thousands of complaints were registered, only a small number of victims received justice, while many cases remain unresolved.

Victims Say Thousands Are Still Waiting for Justice

Organizers claim that more than 60,000 people across Nepal have been affected by illegal meter interest practices. They allege that many money lenders continue to exploit borrowers through fraudulent agreements, excessive interest rates, and misuse of legal procedures.

The protesters say previous government commitments have not been fully implemented and believe a stronger nationwide movement is necessary to ensure justice.

As the march continues toward Kathmandu, participants remain determined to reach the capital and pressure authorities into taking concrete action against illegal money lending and protecting vulnerable borrowers across Nepal.