True Freedom To Kamaiyas

Even after the government announced the freedom of the Kamaiyas (the bonded labourers) two years ago, they do not seem to be free in the true sense. They are still languishing in different camps in western Terai districts like Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur. Oppressed as they were under a slavery-like system, they do not possess any thing to support themselves: house, land, and any other sources of livelihood. They are still forced to work in the fields of their former masters who continue to treat them like slaves. There have been reports of their suffering in such camps where they do not get enough to eat or to cover their bare bodies. Since they do not have adequate clothing and beds, their condition during the cold months of winter is even worse as they are compelled to huddle together, like animals, for warmth each night. On the other hand, child labour is likely to increase in those areas as all the family members must work to keep their body and soul together. They cannot afford to send their children to schools, which means their plight is sure to continue for a few more generations if something is not done in time to rehabilitate them.

Sudip Nepal
Nepalgunj