They sang on Kathmandu’s streets to survive. The city silenced the music
Summary
Visually impaired street performers in Kathmandu, who relied on singing and selling incense sticks to survive, are protesting after authorities stopped their street performances without providing alternatives for livelihood support.
Key Points
- Visually impaired individuals in Kathmandu have been forced off the streets, losing their main source of income from singing and selling incense sticks.
- Protesters are staging a sit-in at Maitighar Mandala demanding livelihood guarantees including food, shelter, clothing, education, health, and employment.
- Authorities claim they have arranged shelters and support, but protesters refuse these as they want broader livelihood guarantees and to remain with their communities.
- The visually impaired express difficulties finding other jobs and stress the need for implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
