Achham, December 8

The Raute, a marginalised group of Nepal, have been collecting money for their livelihood in the Bazaar area of Mangalsain in Achham.

The Raute, who live in the forest of Kalekanda VDC of the district, have started to collect clothes and food items along with money for the winter season in different areas of the market.

They are collecting cash, clothes and food materials from government and non-government offices in the district headquarters Mangalsain.

A three-member team led by the Raute leader Bir Bahadur Shahi reached the bazaar area after the food crisis hit them hard. Bir Bahadur said that as many as 240 persons were compelled to spend the nights on empty stomachs due to lack of food.

He said that his team had reached Mangalsain, Kamalbazaar, Sanphe, Bayalpata and Binayak among other bazaar areas to collect food items. “We are begging for food, clothes, cash or anything else,” he added.

Another Raute Daya Bahadur Shahi said their woodwork did not bring them the money they had expected. Besides, they were also not allowed to cut trees in the forest and that had forced them sleep hungry.

He said they had eaten wild animals’ meat and some other wild roots for some time.

“There is no food left in the jungle and we are struggling for our daily meals,” he added. Surendra Shahi said that they did not have warm clothes and the clod was increasing by the day.

He added that children and elderly people have suffered the most. “We are asking for help to protect our children and old people from the cold,” he said.