BAJHANG, DECEMBER 11 With the demolition of ‘chhausheds’ in Bajhang, menstruating women have been forced to stay in caves or under the open sky. A chhaugoth is a makeshift or bamboo shed where menstruating women and new mothers are forced to stay. Such structures were demolished by the local governments a few months ago. Women are prohibited from entering home, eating dairy products and observing religious rituals and functions during menstruation. Ujeli Bohara said, “We are not allowed to stay inside home fearing god’s wrath. On one hand, the local government comes to demolish Chhaugoth and on the other hand, we are forced to stay out of home during menstruation and in such condition, I find no alternative other than spending night in a cave or under the open sky.’’ This is not the problem of women of Saipal Rural Municipality alone, but the problem of almost all the women in the district. Local women said the local government’s campaign to demolish chhaugoths has added to their woes. Local Tilak BK said destroying chhaugoths would not help people get rid of their ill mentality. Rural municipality Chair Rajendra Dhami said the campaign aimed to see improvement in the lives of women and changes were already seen in many places. Quite interestingly a section of Saipal population does not follow this ill-practice. Women of the Lama and Tamang community do not observe Chhuapadi while women from other castes and communities follow the practice. Puja Tamang of Dhuli said,’’ We stay with the family and eat dairy products such as milk, ghee during the monthly cycle.’’ But people of other communities say that such activities within their communities would make their god angry. Dolma Tamang of the same locality said they cooked food, ate together with the family and did not leave home during period. Lafadi of Saipal is home to 35 houses and none of them practise Chhaupadi.