Kathmandu, May 18:

Freed Kamaiyas today said the issue of their rehabilitation has been sidelined by the Constitution Assembly (CA) election.

Speaking at the National Social Audit programme organised by Action Aid Nepal (AAN) Pashupati Chaudhary, president of Freed Kamaiya Society said: “The government is trying to deflect the issues of freed Kamiyas by the CA polls.”

He said that the government had assured of rehabilitation, but nothing has been done so far.

He appreciated the support of the AAN in fighting for their rights.

“AAN has supported in developing leadership to fight for our rights with the government,” he said.

Kalawati Paswan, chairperson of Women’s Rights Forum, said: “The rights-based programme launched by the AAN has not only raised awareness among the Dalit women, but also united them to struggle for the eradication of discrimination and social injustice.”

She said women suffer from social injustices and discriminations because they lack awareness about their rights.

Dr Shibesh Chandra Regmi, country director of AAN, spoke about the programmes launched for different purposes, the total budget and expenditure for 2006 and 2007.