A Journey Through Fear and Strife: Bihar Workers Return from Nepal

Caught in Nepal's Gen Z uprising, Bihar's workers are forced to walk back to India. An arduous journey through hunger and fear.
Bihar workers return from Nepal on foot. (Photo: Abhishek Pandey/ITG)

Source: aajtak

Nepal is currently undergoing a period of profound turmoil. The Gen Z uprising, sparked by social media bans, has unseated the government. This anti-corruption movement has filled Nepalese streets with unrest and uncertainty, significantly impacting the Indian workers seeking employment in Nepal's towns and cities. With conditions deteriorating, these workers are now walking back to India.

On Friday, there were long lines of workers at the Valmiki Nagar Gandak Barrage Checkpoint in Bagaha, Bihar. Every worker returning from Nepal was thoroughly checked by SSB personnel before being allowed into India. The tired steps and anxious faces of the workers told the story of the difficult circumstances they faced. Some carried small bags, while others had children in their arms. Women and the elderly were also seen forced to walk back home.

Also Read: The newly prepared office for Nepal's PM after the Gen-Z-fueled demolition of Singha Durbar, with parliament parties now refusing to dissolve it.
Workers at the Valmiki Nagar border

Source: aajtak

The workers reported having been employed in Butwal. Suddenly, the situation deteriorated, halting their work. There was a severe scarcity of food and water. Several days went by without proper meals. In fear, we walked to the border, a weary worker recounted. He described having to sleep under the open sky at night, continually fearing an adverse incident.

The little money they had was spent on the way. Many had to walk with empty stomachs. Women and children experienced the worst conditions. Upon reaching the border, the workers expressed relief. They say this dreadful experience makes it unlikely they'll return to Nepal for labor in the future.

Furthermore, the Nepal crisis has once again highlighted the helplessness and compulsion of migrant workers. While they are driven to leave home in search of opportunities, they are left with the pressing question—will they find safe employment anywhere?

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