Locals have reported that caste-based untouchability still exists in Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality. They stated that not only the general public but also elected representatives are facing its impact. They also mentioned that such discrimination occurs not only at a personal level but also within government offices. Speaking at a public event on Dalit issues organized by Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality on June 26, 2025, resident Yadav Damai stated that the post office next to his house operates in a rented building whose landlord has instructed staff not to allow entry to people from so-called lower castes. Damai further reported that some time ago, Dalit service seekers from Duragaun-1 were served outside the post office premises. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and demanded accountability for those responsible.
In the same program, a Dalit woman from Ward No. 5 shared that she had married a man from the Maharjan community of Lalitpur seven years ago. Despite having two children, she was later expelled from her husband’s home solely because of her caste and is now forced to live at her parental home. She expressed her concern over not having obtained her citizenship and the complications arising due to the lack of birth registration for her children.
Similarly, Dalit community representatives from Ward No. 1, Duragaun, demanded participation in the inauguration ceremony of a temple constructed with government funds. Following their demand, the temple inauguration was postponed. Resident Binod Bisunke expressed concern that although the temple was built at a cost of Lakhs from the government budget, the inauguration was withheld because it was believed that Dalit community members would enter the temple.
Ward member Sharmila Khutte said the inauguration of the Shiva temple at Thapatar in Duragaun was stopped because the Dalit community demanded the right to enter the temple. She added, “I raised the issue of how temples built with government funds could operate by excluding us, and that led to the inauguration being stopped.”
Dalit representatives participating in the program complained that although caste-based discrimination is legally prohibited, it has not been effectively implemented in practice. They further stated that issues concerning the Dalit community still do not receive priority.
Inspector Bikram Magar of the Area Police Office, Dhobi, who was also present at the event, expressed his commitment to take action if complaints related to caste-based discrimination are filed. He clarified that no steps can be taken unless a written complaint is submitted. Sundar Purkuti, a member of the National Dalit Commission, urged local governments, police, and the administration to treat incidents of caste-based discrimination with seriousness, as such acts constitute a grave offense. He also emphasized the need for awareness programs to help reduce such incidents.
