Dr Govinda KC has ended his 17th fast-unto-death considering the public sentiments at a time when people are voicing concerns on the issue of nationalism.
Dr KC, who started the hunger strike on November 4 demanding amendment of the Medical Education Act, has issued a press statement on Tuesday to announce withdrawal of the fast and added that he would continue his struggle for reform in health and medical education sector, and governance.
Stating that he has been stunned like every Nepali citizen on news reports about inclusion of Lipu Lekh and Kalapani of Nepal in the new political map published by India after he started the latest fast, he has claimed that while border security is the first priority for nationalism it alone is not enough for a nation with self-respect.
"It is good that there is feeling of nationalism in general public. But if those in the power do wrong things and curtail freedom of expression and dissenting voices in the pretext of nationalism, that would be unacceptable," KC has stated.
He lauded the national unity on the issue of border encroachment by India but warned that nationalism will be boosted only if the life of citizens become more comfortable, quality education and health services become available, and citizens can live without any fear and discrimination.
