Kunjum Palpu Lama, 62, of Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality-8, Mugu, has been forced to live as a “stateless” person for six decades. Although the state repeatedly reiterates the policy that no citizen should be deprived of any citizen services and facilities, Kunjum’s reality stands in stark contrast. Due to the absence of citizenship, she has remained excluded from basic rights, government services, and facilities. Physically disabled, Kunjum’s daily life is extremely difficult.
Her caretaker, her brother Yangep Lama, is also not fully able-bodied. The two depend on each other for survival. “My sister is physically and mentally disabled. I myself am not fully capable.” Yangep said, “Kunjum has till not been able to obtain citizenship.” Due to the lack of citizenship, Kunjum has not been able to obtain a disability identity card. She is deprived of basic state-provided services such as old-age allowance, disability allowance, healthcare services, and social security.
Because the mother is the same but the father is different, no official record related to Kunjum’s father’s citizenship has been found. This has further complicated her citizenship process. Ward Chairperson Pema Tondul Lama of Ward No. 8 stated that the lack of necessary documents, difficult geographical terrain, and limited administrative access are the main obstacles. He added that although the ward office has been making efforts to help Kunjum obtain citizenship and a disability identity card, the absence of old records has created challenges.
Even though citizenship is the basis for an individual’s identity as well as access to personal rights, Kunjum has been unable to obtain this right even after six decades of life. Due to o the lack of citizenship, she has been unable to receive social security allowances. The Constitution of Nepal guarantees every citizen the right to education, healthcare, social security, and a dignified life. However, citizens living in remote areas who are poor, disabled, and helpless are still deprived of these rights.