Babu Ram Chaudhary of Durgauli VDC in Kailali district is one of them. Chaudhary, who had visited his home during Dashain and Tihar festivals, recently returned to Uttarkhand of India where he has been working since five years."I don't care much about the protests. My festival leave has ended and I am back to work along with four of my friends from Nepal," he said.
Likewise, a group of ten youths of Rajapur Municipality of Bardiya district was on their way to Nainital of India, via Tikuniya, for employment. One of the group members, Rati Ram Chaudhary, informed that they were returning for work in India after the festivals ended. "We return home from India every year for Dashain and Tihar. Then we go back to work after the festivals are over," he said.
"We do not have anything to do with the ongoing protests. More than identity, we are worried about earning our livelihood and sustaining ourselves," he added.
Large number of Tharu youths has been reaching Indian towns and cities for employment. Most of them work as laborers in Uttarkand, Himalchal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh along with other Indian states.
Twelve youths of Narayanpur VDC, who are heading to Surat city of Gujrat, said they are going for foreign employment as an escape to the ongoing protests.
"If we don't participate in protests, we have to pay fines. But we get into lots of trouble if we participate," said one of them, requesting anonymity.
Many Tharu youths have admitted to going for foreign employment after Tharuhat supporters declared to intensify their protests. "Many people of our village have already headed abroad. Many more are preparing to follow suit," said Ramesh Chaudhary of Munuwa VDC.
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