It has been more than five years since the end of the civil war, but post-war reconstruction and political instability continues to bleed the country's economy.

The Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction, which was established in 2005, has distributed 4.4 billion rupees to more than 140,000 people including 17,828 families who lost their relatives during the conflict and transition years. Besides providing compensation, the ministry has also been distributing relief packages under 14 categories to injured, tortured, displaced, illegally detained, widowed and orphaned Nepalis.

Even as we approach the sixth anniversary of signing the comprehensive peace agreement, the number of people who come to the ministry claiming to be victims of war and demanding compensation remains high. The figures are likely to increase significantly in the coming years as many are yet to be compensated for the destruction of property during the war and Madhes movement.