"It is because the king is autocratic that we are on the streets. Now the people will decide whether we want to keep the monarchy or not."

Nabina Lama, sociology student,
Baneswor Campus (pictured)

"Nepal's national parks are guarded by the army. But unless the people feel ownership, you can't enforce conservation with a gun. You can only have nature conservation when there is participatory democracy. That is why I am here."

Dr Bibekanand Jha,
Incharge of Community Cooperation at Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

"The king is only for the rich. Democracy is for the poor like us."

Abbas Ansari, construction worker,
Inaruwa

"We need a monarchy, but the king must follow the rules. This present king is overstepping, that is why we are here."

Hom Bahadur Gurung,
Sunsari

"Our leaders told us to come here that is why we are here. They told us if we have democracy, we will be happy."

Shibanath Mandal,
Morang

"An open society is important for us. A closed society can't be creative. That is why we are on the streets demonstrating for the restoration of democracy."

Tara Chamling, Model and choreographer,
Dharan

"I am here so the voice of us workers will be heard. The Maoists killed our colleagues, the army did the same. Maybe with this democratic government we will be safe from harm."

Durga Pokhrel, Transport worker,
Dharan

"We have been at the same rank for 12 years and we're still temporary workers. We aren't allowed to organize, if the country becomes democratic maybe this institution will also have internal democracy."

Bijaya Rimal, BP Koirala Health and Science Academy,
Dharan

"If we have democracy, we the poor people and our children will have jobs. I have seven children."

Rabi Kamat, labourer,
Dhangadi

"Change will only come through non-violent action, even the Maoists must join the non-violent struggle."

Om Bahadur Thapa, ex-serviceman,
Butwal

"Maybe after democracy is restored our demands will be met, we want a resolution."

Sitaram Chaudhari, Chairman, Free Kamiya Society,
Dhangadi