SURKHET, Dec 6: Urmila Bishwakarma, the mother of Nabaraj BK, who was murdered over the issue of inter-caste love and marriage, recently received justice as the District Court, Rukum West, pronounced life imprisonment for 24 individuals involved in the mass murder incident that occurred on May 23, 2020.

KATHMANDU, Dec 3: Continuous hearing on a case related to the murder of six people, including Nabaraj BK, three years ago in Soti village of Rukum Paschim over the issue of inter-caste marriage is set to begin at the Supreme Court (SC) from today.

KATHMANDU, Jan 11: The parents of Nawaraj BK have gradually lost their weight, appetite and peace of mind since their only son, who was outstanding at studies and sports, was murdered in the infamous Rukum incident of May last year. They are further disturbed as justice seems elusive with two more prime suspects recently freed by a high court. Four others were let out of judicial custody earlier and the remaining 28 could be treated equally leniently, they fear.

Those fighting for justice for Nabaraj and his friends must continue the struggle. Young Dalits must fight for equitable education and become a voice that will change the structures from within.

KATHMANDU, Aug 12: Government has decided to compensate the families of the deceased in the infamous Soti incident in West Rukum. While six Dalit youths were killed, several others were left severely injured in the incident.

KATHMANDU, June 17: Their close friends from the non-Dalit community, whenever took them to their house, there would be a deal before they reach the doorstep. “Please don't tell your surname,” the Dalits would be told. Falling in love, accidently or thoughtfully, without being caste conscious is always a nightmare for them. They have dozens of told and untold stories hidden in their souls that continue to haunt them. And the biggest torture is that they know their children will not get any better world to live in.

During the People’s War (1996-2006), I was working as the secretary of People's Power Consolidation Department in the base area. I remember meeting a group of Dalits while I was on my way to Balidan Commune in Rukum. They were marching with panche baja, the traditional set of musical instruments. The group was displaying their instruments of production as if they werecarrying their weapons with confidence and pride. I was surprised, amused and satisfied to see such a sense of empowerment on their faces! That was 2005.

KATHMANDU, May 29: While expressing shock over the killing of five men by opponents of an inter-caste relationship in Nepal last weekend, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, on Friday called for an independent probe into the gruesome incident.

RUKUM/ BIRENDRANAGAR, May 26: Last year, an athletics event was organized at Chaurjahari Municipality in West Rukum. Nabaraj BK, 19, a resident of Bheri Municipality-4, had also participated in the event.