It’s a discomfit for the sensible Nepali to hear the news about the migrants Nepali people, especially in India and of course, in Middle East too. The massive bomb blast at German Bakery in Pune which claimed almost 13 peoples’ lives has also shown how Nepal government was reluctant in involving into the matter. The German Bakery of Pune became the hot point for terrorists to impose their plans on 13th of February, 2010. The bakery was owned by a Nepali man, Gopal Karkee (for more than 25 years) and almost all workers were employee from Nepal. The advocacy that was going on, since the blast occurred could reflect the pathetic condition of migrant workers. The Embassy of Nepal at Delhi is almost unaware of the incident even though people from all over the world know about it. If the Embassy doesn’t stand at the juncture mode for the people then what for they are working at Delhi. The German Bakery was a popular hangout for foreigners and was in the junction point of a Jewish Chhabad house and a synagogue which are half a kilometer away from the bakery.
The matter of dignity and honor for the migrants has been now wiped out from the sight . Who is responsible for this tragedy? The entire episode needs to be observed from different perspectives. Once upon the time, Nepalese were respected and honored in India for their bravery and dignity but ever since the political dismantle fumed in Nepal, the whole perspective is diverted. The flow of the immigration is now increasing. The lack of opportunities in Nepal forced Nepalese to come to India in search of betterment. Ever since the attack at German bakery blast, I was observing how our politician will interfere over this issue. Nevertheless, it was just a hope in the wilderness . Our prime minister was busy in settling his government while opposite parties were engaged in fighting at parliament house.
The sole matter discloses at Gokul Nepali’s story. Gokul Nepali, who hails from the Nuwakot, was one of the victims of the tragic blast. There was no one who could fight for the legal procedure except the leader of the Nepali Society of Pune. Due to the lack of documents and the legal paper, the compensation was delayed. His mother and wife came after a month of break, to get the compensation when the local authority denied to give it to them, saying that they will hand over the compensation to the Embassy, which will in turn, give it to them.
Let me quote what 60 years old Juthi (Gokul’s mother) replied, “I fell ill ever since I heard about Gokul’s death. He was my only son and the sole bread-earner for the family. I was not in a condition to travel. But we were told that a family member has to come to receive the compensation, so I came here with his wife Maina. But we have been doing rounds of the Collector’s Office and the Tahasildar’s office and the chances of getting the cheque look dim.”
The Embassy of Nepal stood as an idol when there is a need of help to its fellow countrymen. In replying to this Juthi replied, “The Nepal Embassy did not show any interest or offer any help to its fellow countrymen after the blast. And they have not contacted us even once.” If it would have been the case of America or Germany or any other countries, perhaps the local country might have interfered over the issue. I sometimes wonder what the embassy is exactly doing here in India? It is just to issue some visas and recommending the train tickets for Nepalese into the tourist quota. As far as trade and commerce is concerned, the Embassy is mute in transaction with the authorities. The increasing trend of robbery and theft in Indian cities are going on high since 4-5 years. However, this fact needs to be retrospected properly. My heart was broken when I came across with news of robbery where 4 young men from Achham were caught in robbery case at Pune.(Pune Mirror, 24th march, 2010) I doubt how Government of Nepal is taking this issue. Does it bother them in parliament house when they discuss over the business? Due to the instability within the country, people are being forced to enter into India in search of jobs. And our leaders dare to become the ministers and prime minister of these oppressed and suppressed people! What else would you do when you don’t get a morsel for a night? I do understand the moral values and ethical standards and even the consequences of stealing! Probably, you would have been put behind the bar and custody. But remember, when 12 year’s son cries for bread, you don‘t mind to steal how much ever the consequences would be. This is the fact of human nature which can’t be altered. My attempt is not to prompt stealing or looting rather I want you to think it from the deep within.
Let me come back to the issue again. I recall the Nepal president’s recent visit to New Delhi on the same week of Pune blast. President Ram Baran Yadav signed four agreements aimed at raising the bilateral relationship to a new high. The agreements, signed in the presence of Dr Yadav and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh included an Air Services Agreement between the two countries and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for extension of railway lines to five cross-border points along the India-Nepal border. However the real problem has not been addressed to India! We always lack in doing this. Either it comes with Sugauli Sandhi or Tanakpur? We deal with hi-fi agendas but we neglect the poor and marginalized people. We play with the tears and cries of our people.
Looking at the scene of migrant people, one thing, we need to bear in mind. We,the people need to stand up to bridge the gap between the two different groups. A gap, where turmoils, pains and the tragedies are filled within. People call it ‘rich’ and ‘poor’ or ‘righteous’ and ‘sinner’ or ‘privileged’ and ‘unprivileged’ or they can even call it as ‘civilized’ and ‘uncivilized’. But the fact is different. It is neither of these rather it is ‘love’ and ‘Hatred’. You can’t serve people unless you find love for them. “I serve people because I know they are loved by Jesus.” The harmony of bridge can be placed only when we tender these values within ourselves first. Moreover, as a body of Christ, We fail to recognize the unfailing love of God on the Calvary. The question is asked within the body of Christ. How much are we aware of the needs in our society? Or are we just the spectators? I think we are making ourselves foolish by expecting someone to act for justice while we, ourselves can take one step forward and carry our candle in the darkness, a candle where true love is reflected where a thrust can meet his needs.
