KATHMANDU: Besides the mental scar, policemen injured in warfare during the decade-long insurgency have been living with their war wound unhealed.

Upon the visit of the Nepal Police Hospital located at Maharajgunj in the capital, one can easily gauge how the government's apathy has been taking toll on these "one-time brave fighters".

Some of them had their leg amputated while others lost their arm. And, many others have been treating their bullet wounds, which have confined them into the hospital bed.

"No one remembers a brave warrior once he is disabled," scoffs policeman Gir Bahadur Khatri with a wry smile on his face. The 24-year-old man lost two of his limbs while fighting against Maoist rebels.

Khatri, who is limited in a wheelchair, says, "Many years have passed since the conflict is over but I still have not got a single penny from the government."

Dhundi Raj Pokharel, 34, another in the group, too is pessimistic over life. "It's been difficult for us to adapt ourselves with this world due to our disability. A walking stick and wheelchair are all we got as a reward from the government for our gallantry."

According to him, he had got Rs 30,000 long time back for the treatment of his wounds. But now, according to him, the monetary support is also trickling, posing threat on self survival, let alone other dependant family members.

"When the conflict was on, we used to hear that we were brave fighters and get lots of pats. Since it's over and we lost our hands and legs, then we became no one for the government", says Bhola Chauhan, an injured policeman from the hospital bed.

AIGP Kashi Ram Kunwar, Medical Director at the hospital, also felt pity at the injured warriors who risked their lives for the nation. "They also need support, care and assistance. Our forces fought for our motherland and now it's time for the motherland to repay the same."

According to him, many wounded soldiers approach him asking for their promotion.

"They say it is their right as they were disabled while in the force. They also say that they never retreated despite the life-threatening danger ahead. I think they are right."

Kunwar revealed that some policemen were so badly injured in the battle that they now found it difficult even stand up, eat and go to the bathroom.