We have been running our handicraft shop in Kupondol for the last 14 years and we have always had a signboard outside telling our customers who we are: Self-financing women from Dhankuta believing in and practising fair trade. Without notice or warning the police suddenly decided to remove our signboard. Why? When the Home Minister is sending the police and army out to win people's hearts and minds they certainly don't win ours by stealing our signboard. What will they take next?

Nita Khawas
The Dhankuta Sisters' Handicrafts