KATHMANDU: People working in social sector today said there was a need to eliminate the Kamlari tradition prevailing among the Tharu community in mid- and far-western regions. Speaking at a press meet organised by the Nepalese Youth Opportunity Foundation, Ministry of Education and Prisma Advertising today, Som Panaru, executive director, NYOF said Tharu community had the tradition of sending their daughters below the age of 10 to others’ houses for work. He said, “Kamlari tradition is akin to in-country work trafficking. The demand, as well as the supply side, should be made aware of it to eliminate the tradition from our society.” He added that the parents of Kamlaris should be hired on fair wages. Olga D Murray, president of NYOF, said, “Kamlari is a shocking custom for 21st century.”

She said, “A decade ago, the people from political parties used to arrange the bonding but the same people today are in a campaign to free Kamlaris.”

She stated that the parents of Kamlaris were unaware about their suffering and pain and should be made aware to convince them to abandon such a tradition.

Krishna Devkota, executive secretary, Friends of Needy Children, said Kamlari tradition could not be eradicated from the country due to lack of implementation of the existing national and international laws related to Kamlaris.

He said, “The government did a great job to free Kamilyas but failed to pay attention towards their children who are working as Kamlaris.”

Ranjit Acharya, CEO, Prisma Adverting, said they would launch a campaign called ‘Going back home, study hard’ from January 15 on the occasion of ‘Maghi’ great festival among the Tharu community.

A book, Kamlari, written by a jounalist, Raghunath Lamichhane, was also released.