Eternal wait

The Nirmala Kurmi case is yet another instance of the state’s indifference to the plight of its citizens.

Four weeks have passed since a group of women came to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj seeking justice for the death of Nakunni Dhobi and the disappearance of Nirmala Kurmi. This is the third time the women, often accompanied by a few men, have stationed themselves at Maitighar. Earlier, in October 2021, they had walked 500 km from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu, reaching the national capital in 20 days, informing people en route of their plight. They were sent home after a probe committee was formed to investigate the matter. Nothing happened. The women returned to the national capital in December 2021 and, after 42 days of protest, again went back home with the promise of a fresh CBI investigation. The CBI, meanwhile, has failed to act impartially even as it has made a few arrests on charges of illegally transferring Kurmi’s land worth millions.