KATHMANDU, Oct 13: Sauraj Paudel of Sindhupalchowk has completed barefoot walk from Pokhara to Kathmandu for what he said to raise voice against rising cases of rape and sex-related crimes in the country.
Twenty-two-year-old Paudel, who had started the walk from Pokhara on Sunday afternoon with the slogan, “No Rape, No Murder” arrived here in Kathmandu on Thursday evening. Paudel, a trekking enthusiast, had decided to walk barefoot to "change peoples' perception and bring harmony in society."
During his walk from Pokhara to Kathmandu Poudel visited schools along the highway and interacted with the students on ways to minimize sex-related crimes including rape.
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Paudel, a student of Bachelor's in Engineering, said his walk without slippers and the interactions also helped him better understand Nepali society.
The rape and subsequent murder of 13-year-old Nirmala Panta stirred outcry across the country. The law enforcement agencies are still unsuccessful to book the culprit(s) involved.
Also, a local of Rautahat had poured acid on two girls while they were sleeping in their own home a few weeks ago. Of the victims, eighteen years old Samjhana Das lost her life whereas her sister is still undergoing treatment.
“I decided to walk barefoot out of respect for the victims of sex-related crimes,” said Paudel.
He said he wants to go on a world tour on foot to create awareness against sexual violence and rape.
