It's true, the media can make a difference, and people still care. Residents of Jogimara VDC in Dhading district were moved when they received $500 sent by fellow Nepalis living in Washington DC, upon reading the plight of the village, which lost most of its working male population in an army operation. (See "Unfriendly fire", #106.)

"At least there are people who share our sorrow," says Gyan Bahadur Biswokarma who lost two sons who were working on an airport runway in Kalikot. The money was raised by the District of Columbia Athletics Club, a group of Nepali amateur athletes, who organise sporting events and fundraise for those in need. Parents who had lost a son, widows, and orphans from Jogimara walked three hours to gather at Majhitaar Bazar on the Prithvi Highway Monday to collect the money. Families received Rs 2,250 for each member they lost. Tanka Bahadur Malla, former chairman of Jogimara VDC, says the community is drawing strength not just from the money, but from the fact that someone is listening to them. "Apart from the monetary assistance, we feel that there is someone to share our sorrow. While the army remains quiet over its killing of innocents, it's heartening to see Nepalis living in America extend a helping hand."