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It has been 21 years since the husband of 63-year-old Indrakala Bista from Birendranagar Municipality-3 went missing. However, she remains disappointed as the state has not provided concrete evidence about his status despite such a long period. Indrakala Bista’s husband, Balaram Bista, was arrested and disappeared by the then-rebel Maoists from Rawatkota, Dailekh, on August 30, 2003. This August marked 21 years since his disappearance, but there is still no information about whether he is alive or dead. Her eldest son, Nagendra Bista, who served as a soldier in the Nepal Army, lost his life at the age of 19 during a clash in Chisapani, Kailali, on December 22, 2004. The state provided Indrakala Bista with Rs. 10,00,000 as compensation. However, she stated that she does not feel a sense of justice until those involved in her husband’s disappearance and her son’s killing are held accountable. She also shared that after her youngest son, Surendra Bista, died by suicide, her only support in old age was her daughter. She got the compensation but the state neither punished the accused nor explained the reason behind the disappearance. She emphasized that the government must provide proof of her husband’s status, whether dead or alive and take legal action against those involved for her to feel a sense of justice.

Similarly, Chandrakala Khadka of Bheriganga Municipality-3 has been waiting for 19 years to learn about the whereabouts of her son. In December 2005, her son, Manbahadur Khadka, was disappeared by the then-rebel Maoists. She expressed her sense of injustice, stating that even the Rs. 10,00,000 relief provided by the government was spent by her daughter-in-law, who later left the family. Chandrakala stated, “It has been 19 years since the Maoists disappeared my son. The state has yet to provide any information about whether he is alive or dead. Why doesn’t the state share the truth with us? How long will we remain in this uncertainty?” She shared that she is constantly troubled by the thought that if her son were alive, he might return someday, and if he were dead, some evidence of his remains might be found.

Likewise, Purnaprasad Poudel of Birendranagar-6 has been waiting for justice for 23 years. During that time, the Nepal Army subjected him to 18 months of brutal torture. The army also killed his son and raped his wife. In addition, they seized his shop, cash, and vehicle, and took away his property. His family endured both physical and mental abuse. The Human Rights Commission, as well as the High and Supreme Courts, have ordered that justice be served. However, the state has yet to provide him with justice or compensation. Poudel stated that the army destroyed his family’s life. He and his wife are still facing disabilities, and both of their sons died due to mental issues caused by the army’s beatings. He shared that the army seized his property including his car, shop, and cash, causing him to lose everything, yet the state has not provided justice. He has been seeking justice for 23 years. He further mentioned that over Rs 30,00,000 have been spent on the treatment for him and his wife, but neither have the perpetrators been punished nor has he received any compensation.

Parbati Kharel of Birendranagar Municipality-11 stated that the primary reason the state has been unable to address the issues of conflict victims is its desire for power. She emphasized that the government has failed to provide justice and relief to the genuine victims, as everyone is preoccupied with the desire for power. She added that they seek the truth, a thorough investigation, accountability for the perpetrators, and appropriate relief.

Another conflict victim, Laxmi Sunar, from Birendranagar Municipality-2, stated that the government closed the case of her son’s killing by the state side for just Rs 4,00,000. She expressed that such compensation is insufficient to fulfill their needs. Not only the mentioned conflict victims but also the families and victims of 3,236 individuals from Karnali Province, who were disappeared, or killed by the state and rebel sides, are demanding justice, truth, accountability, and appropriate compensation from the state.

According to the INSEC Karnali Province office, there are 3,236 conflict victims in Karnali Province, including 281 from Salyan, 565 from Rukum West, 366 from Surkhet, 450 from Jajarkot, 309 from Dailekh, 58 from Dolpa, 298 from Jumla, 690 from Kalikot, 88 from Mugu, and 131 from Humla. Among them, 432 individuals are suffering from disabilities, 99 are missing, and 2,705 have been killed by both sides. Additionally, according to the National Human Rights Commission’s Karnali Province statistics, 238 complaints were filed at the provincial office during the 2022/2023 fiscal year.

Ramesh Kumar Thapa, the Chief of the National Human Rights Commission, Karnali Province Office, stated that the commission has been studying and investigating incidents related to transitional justice for a long time and has been recommending action against those involved. He said, “The commission has been gathering facts by visiting the sites of incidents during the conflict, which has helped deliver justice to the victims. We will coordinate and cooperate with the commission that will be formed to resolve the issues and ensure justice for the victims.”

Narayan Subedi, INSEC Karnali Province Coordinator, stated that the government has already enacted the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act 2014 and the process for selecting officials is underway. He highlighted that the credible and transparent commission will play a crucial role in ensuring justice for conflict victims. He further emphasized, “The commission’s role is essential in delivering victim-centered justice by thoroughly studying the truth of the events during the conflict. Transparent appointments of the chairperson and members will contribute to a sustainable resolution of the conflict.”

Mamta Nagal, the Co-coordinator of the Conflict Victim Women National Network, Karnali Province, stated that not all victims of the conflict have filed complaints with the relevant authorities. She said that women who were the victims of sexual violence during the conflict are still unable to speak out. They suffer from mental health issues. The newly formed commission must focus on identifying and addressing the needs of such victims.” Conflict victims in Karnali have primarily demanded justice, rehabilitation, and opportunities for livelihood from the government.

 

Jagatdal Janala BK