KATHMANDU, March 19: How long can you carry a heavy burden on your head? Naturally, you feel relief the moment you're able to set it down.
Similarly, nearly 800 women-victims of conflict-era sexual violence—laid down their burden on Wednesday afternoon. Despite the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) to address human rights violations and enforced disappearances during the conflict, these commissions have yet to set their work into motion.
As a result, these victims have been unable to formally submit their complaints. A total of 794 women from across the country have prepared detailed accounts of the atrocities they suffered during the conflict at the hands of both the then-state and the rebel CPN (Maoist).
With commission officials yet to be appointed, these women remained in limbo. Finally, arrangements were made to collect and seal the complaints and submit them to the TRC. Commission Secretary Parashwar Dhungana received the complaints from a delegation led by former minister and activist Devi Khadka on behalf of the victims.
This process is more than a formality—it’s a step toward redress for nearly three decades of injustice. The complaints address not only physical harm but also deep emotional wounds. Women, who were not directly involved in the Maoist 'People's War,' which began on February 13, 1996, were nonetheless victimized by both the state and rebel forces.
Even after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord on November 21, 2006, which set Nepal on the path to a democratic republic, their suffering remained unacknowledged. In a society where social stigma often silences victims, these women took the bold initiative to organize and share their pain.
It was once thought impossible to unite victims of conflict-era sexual violence. However, after Maoist leader Devi Khadka—herself a survivor—started a campaign, many women came forward. Today, 900 women from 65 districts across Nepal are involved.
Devi Khadka has been advocating for their cause for seven years. The Aparajit Foundation, which she founded four years ago, has supported this mission. These women have first worked on healing themselves—physically and emotionally—to reach the point where they could write their own complaints. Having now submitted them, they’ve placed the responsibility in the hands of the government.
Previously, 63,718 complaints were registered with the TRC, and 3,288 with the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons.
Difficult Lives, Painful Past
In preparation for submitting their complaints, the women organized the fourth anniversary of their collective effort on Tuesday evening. The event brought together women who, unable to reveal their identities to society, are considered the ‘living martyrs’ of the country’s political struggle.
Several influential leaders attended to offer support. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s expert advisor on transitional justice, Agni Kharel; Maoist leaders Janardan Sharma and Khimlal Devkota, and Congress leaders Minendra Rijal and Radheshyam Adhikari were present.
Devi Khadka spoke about the women’s struggle for justice and their future plans. Some women were honored for their bravery. Counselors Jamuna Shrestha and Khima Rijal shared harrowing, almost unimaginable, stories.
One woman’s life exemplifies their suffering: raped in November 2002, she gave birth to a daughter from the assault. That daughter, weighed down by the social stigma of being "Aami’s daughter," tragically took her own life in December 2021 at the age of 20. The mother now carries the responsibility of raising two more children, battling poor health and heartbreak. Only justice from the state can offer her solace.
Another woman’s story is equally painful. While in the 9th grade, she was held in sexual captivity for three years by a member of the then Royal Nepalese Army, who later rose to the rank of two-star general. Her only demand is to be recognized as his wife. Even after a court-ordered financial settlement, her suffering remains unaddressed.
As these women shared their stories, the atmosphere was heavy with emotion. Tears flowed freely—not only from the victims but also from the leaders present. Counselors continued the program to help steady the group.
What Leaders Said
Maoist Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma emphasized that this campaign should be embraced not just by these women but by the state itself. “This is the dark side of our movement and system,” he said. “Losing dignity in conflict is as painful as losing life. You are our living martyrs.”
Sharma reflected on fighting alongside them during the conflict. “As someone who fought beside you, I ask, what kind of democracy have we built if we cannot deliver you justice? We owe you an apology,” he said. “You must not be disheartened. I bow my head in respect.”
Prime Minister Oli’s expert advisor Agni Kharel admitted that women who suffered conflict-era sexual violence had been wronged and that the prolonged transitional justice process had added to their suffering. “If this problem remains unresolved, your tears will haunt the state,” he said. Kharel explained that the transitional justice law has been broadened and assured that once commission officials are appointed, the complaints will be formally registered. “This fight for justice is long and arduous, but it must continue,” he added. “You have committed no wrong—if the existing laws are insufficient, new ones will be made.”
Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr. Minendra Rijal also acknowledged the failure to address these issues adequately. “Like other political processes, this has remained disorganized,” he said, adding that there is now political will to finally resolve it. “Ultimately, life must move forward.”
Burden Finally Laid Down
After the leaders spoke, TRC Secretary Parashwar Dhungana assured the women that while immediate registration was not possible, the complaints would be kept securely. The victims had raised concerns about the safety of their submitted documents.
After years of struggle, the women have finally been able to lay down their burden. The responsibility now lies with the government and the commission to lift it and act.
Following the submission of 794 complaints under registration number 132, Devi Khadka told Nagarik, “We’ve been carrying these applications for eight or nine months without finding a place to put them down. The commitment expressed by leaders of all three parties yesterday finally gave us a place to lay down the burden.”
