INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Kathmandu, January 11
Dozens of young activists and conservationists this evening organised a candle light vigil at Maitighar Mandala, in
support of Dilip Kumar Mahato, 24, of Janakpur, who was allegedly killed yesterday morning by river miners
Mahato was crushed to death by a tipper.
Mahato, a local activist, had been protesting against the ongoing unauthorised excavation on
the banks of the Aurahikhola River near his home in Shreepur Tol of Mithila Municipality
Activists, during today vigil programme chanted slogans demanding safety of rights activists and stringent punishment for the
perpetrators.
Sanjay Adhikari one of the organisers said, &This is a traumatic situation for all activists and conservationists.
Mahato was
killed for raising his voice against illegal mining in the river
The river serves as lifeline for villagers as most of them are farmers.&
Adhikari said that it was probably the first incident where an
activist was killed for raising voice on conservation issue
Adhikari said that river mining was particularly harmful for adjoining farmland as excessive mining was likely to flood farmland during
monsoon.
Mahato, a student of mechanical engineering, had been advocating against it, according to Roshan Kumar Mahato, a cousin of the
Roshan, during the candle light vigil, demanded compensation for the mourning family.
The post Candle light vigil held in support of Mahato
appeared first on The Himalayan Times.
