DAMBER K SHRESTHA

Dhangadi?Impoverished Nepalis crossing the border to India in search of livelihood get looted by the Indian police at the border. This is nothing new, but such incidents have been increasing lately. A large number of Nepalis from farwest travel from the hills to India and their numbers have been growing due to the conflict. Unfortunately, on their return home many are robbed by the Indian cops who extort huge sums of money after accusing them of being Maoists. All I had saved was Rs 5,000 after working for six months in Mumbai and I have nothing left, says Dirga Saud from Accham. Nepalis get extorted at stations and looted in trains, according to returnees. But they have no one to complain to. An Uttar Pradesh police official admitted that such incidents were true but he added that action against the culprits are difficult since it takes a lot of paperwork.