Bullet injuries did not stop him from rising up against the then regime, and much-coveted political change did come in the end. But pondering today, when the country is celebrating Loktantra Day, on all the sacrifices he made, Giri feels nothing has really changed.[break]
"People gave their lives to establish a republic. An Interim Constitution came into force. But the previous discriminatory system still thrives, albeit in the name of a new political ideology," said Giri.
"I see the political leaders just running after power and no one is interested about the welfare of the people. The sense of pride I felt after the movement has been shattered completely. Tell me, have the people really become empowered?" he asks.
Giri, who survived three bullets during the movement, is now leading the life of a handicapped. Dependent on crutchs for walking, he can´t stand on his own legs for long.
Talking to Republica, Giri recalled his struggle during the people´s movement
"I had a nightmare on the night of February 6, 2007 when the popular movement was heating up. I dreamed that a bomb exploded near me and the very next day I was hit by bullets in crossfire," he said.
"The day was filled with a silence and we were walking through a market place. We were gathering to protest against the first election of the constitutional assembly. All of a sudden, we were surrounded by soldiers and bullets started flying. I was hit multiple times. The bullets injured both my legs and broke four of my ribs," added Giri.
Giri was injured but one of his friends, Umesh Chandra, died while being rushed to Rapti Sub-Regional Hospital.
"After I regained consciousness in hospital, the pain was excruciating and I had no hope that I would live. They kept me under observation in Nepalgunj for four days, and through the recommendation of a human rights´ activist, I was transferred to Kathmandu," he said.
Giri was admitted to the Teaching Hospital, where he remained until his discharge after two years.
Giri says he continues to struggle for the good of Nepal and its people.
"I limped along on crutches to cast my vote but the constitution has not come," said Giri.
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