In its report, NDC has concluded that although a non-Dalit family was involved in attacking Maya Sarki and Manoj Biswokarma, the root of the Belbari incident can be linked with the existing social structure, values and mindset. "This incident has once again proved that untouchability is still a national issue," said NDC president Sushila Shripali. "The government must launch an awareness campaign across the country to abolish this inhuman practice."
In Belbari VDC of Morang, Maya Sarki was assaulted in public as she tried to lodge a written complaint with the police against one Jivan Bhetwal for allegedly attempting to rape her on July 21. Manoj Biswokarma, a local journalist who helped Maya in filing the complaint, was also assaulted by Bhetwal´s family members and others. They also smeared black soot on the face of the two and garlanded them with sandals.
NDC had formed a committee led by one of its members Anita Pariyar to look into the incident. In its five-point report, the probe committee has asked the government to bring to the book all the people involved in thrashing Sarki and Biswokarma. As of now, only one person has been arrested in connection with the Belbari incident.
In its report, NDC has also claimed that the locals involved in thrashing Sarki and Biswokarma also verbally used them, clearly implying that they were from ´low caste´ in a bid to harass them.
NDC has also suggested that the government include chapters about human rights and inhuman practice of untochability in school text books to deal with the still-widespread tradition of segregating people on the basis of caste.
Related story
Nepal's Energy Leap in NDC 3.0
