Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 9:

Twelve-year-old Pramod ran away from his home because his family ill-treated him. Then he faced the stark reality of life on the streets. But he had already made his choice. He had no other option but to live with it. And it was practically impossible to hide from the "gang members" who exploit street children. But luckily for him he found shelter at an organisation at Kalanki. His life became easier after that. But he was told to keep mum about the gangs roaming the streets. "They even threatened to kill me if I reported the gang leader to the organisation," said Pramod.

There are hundreds of children like Pramod in the capital, who live every moment of their lives in fear of being manipulated into criminal activities by the gangs. "Street children are not criminals themselves. They are instigated into these activities by the gang members who they cannot refuse simply because of the fear of being beaten up and tortured," said Ryckmans, the programme director of Chandrodaya, a shelter organisation.Some children who recently rescued from gang exploitation, revealed that there are about 12 members in the gang that were harassing them. The gang leaders, Sunil Thapa and Ashok Gurung, were handed over to the Kalimati police recently. "The case is still under investigation," said Khadga Poudel, police inspector at the Kathmandu District Police Office.