The Missing Pieces of History in Nepal: A Longing for Answers

Thousands of people remain missing in Nepal, leaving behind shattered families and unanswered questions. It’s been years since they vanished, but their disappearance is a painful reminder of the country’s turbulent past and ongoing human rights abuses.

The issue is deeply embedded in Nepal’s complex history. The country has experienced numerous conflicts, including the Maoist insurgency and civil war, resulting in thousands of people going missing. Many were taken by government forces or paramilitary groups, while others disappeared under unclear circumstances. Families have been left with little more than speculation and rumors.

The mass disappearances are part of a disturbing pattern of abuse that spans decades. Reports indicate that security forces and government agencies have been responsible for the majority of these disappearances. Investigations and inquiries have been launched over the years, but many have been inconclusive or shrouded in secrecy.

Rescue efforts are hindered by Nepal’s Himalayan terrain. Teams must navigate treacherous mountain paths, harsh weather conditions, and limited access to areas where missing individuals are likely to be found. Searches often get suspended due to bad weather, poor road conditions, or the risk of avalanches.

Civil society organizations and local activists have been advocating for answers and justice. They’ve worked with families to document cases, provide support, and push the government to take action. Organizations like the Human Rights Association of Nepal (HRA-N) have tracked missing persons since 2006, documenting over a thousand cases that remain pending investigation or resolution.

Families left behind struggle to come to terms with their loss and find closure. Many continue to hold out hope that their loved ones will return home, while others have given up on finding any answers. The pain of not knowing is compounded by the lack of support from authorities.

One family’s story stands out: 23-year-old Kanchan Shrestha disappeared in 2015 while traveling through a sensitive area, allegedly taken by security forces. His mother, Sita Devi, has become a vocal advocate for her son’s cause, demanding answers from the authorities. She recounts countless meetings with government officials, only to be met with indifference or vague promises of action.

The government’s accountability record is mixed at best. While there have been some investigations and convictions over the years, they’re few in number compared to the thousands of missing persons. In 2019, Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered an investigation into mass disappearances during the civil war, but its findings were met with skepticism by many.

The quest for justice and truth continues, driven by families, activists, and organizations like HRA-N. Efforts are underway to exhume sites where bodies might be buried or establish a dedicated unit within the police force to investigate missing persons cases. However, without concrete action from authorities and accountability at all levels, it’s difficult to gauge progress.

As I finish writing this piece, I’m reminded of the words often spoken by families: “We want our loved ones back; we just want to know what happened.”