Unsung heroes

We see them almost daily but we do not even acknowledge their presence. We see them in the rains doing their duty oblivious of the rain. We see them in the sun doing their duty oblivious of the heat. They have no voice but just obedient faces. We see them in the media stretching their body from the helicopters lifting up people being swept away by the floods. We see them amidst rubble risking their lives searching for trapped people in destroyed buildings. They stop us from going there for fear that we may sustain injuries.

In the mountains, in the towns, in the plains whenever and whereever disaster strikes this country, they are the first to reach there to provide succour. Whenever we come out on the streets to voice our grievances, they become our target of wrath. We throw stones at them and engage in battles with them though they have nothing to do in the matter. We see them being dragged or carried away all bloodied and grimacing in pain after sustaining injuries from our violent behavior. At the same time, they protect our businesses, offices, homes and workplaces whenever we as members of marauding crowds go on rampage.  Who are they, these silent people who bear all with a blank face? Yes sir, they are our Army and the Armed Police Force and the Nepal Police. These people are the unsung heroes of this country much maligned and beaten up by us simply because they were doing their duty. Are we not eager to know who these Nepali brothers and sisters are and what is their state of affairs.

In the name of fair play and justice we pry into everybody’s business and are quick to report any anomalies. But for these people, human beings and Nepalis just like us, we do not appear to show an iota of interest though they are doing so much for the country. They deserve our attention more not just because of the services rendered but because they have no trade union rights to voice their grievances. We cannot dabble in their terms of service but the least we can do is to ensure that they and their families live a comfortable life. They should get paid for their services commensurate with the cost of living and the hazards of their work. They and their families must get proper medical attention and their children get proper education. They should be properly covered for loss of limbs and life and their old age properly secured.

Reconstruction of Nepal does not only mean rebuilding damaged roads, houses etc, it means the betterment and rebuilding of the lives of all Nepalis.