3.2 Biraj – Maoists at the school
My name is Biraj Bhatta. I have been living on the streets for five years. I used to live in my village. The Maoists often came to our house, and so did the government’s men. We were scared of them, which was why my parents left the village and came to the city. I followed them.

One day, I had gone to the forest to collect firewood with my parents. I had climbed a tree to chop some wood when I noticed a group of people approaching me. They were clad in an army uniform and were carrying arms. They were Maoists. They ordered me to get off the tree. I was very scared but did as I was told. When I got off, they told me that I had grown up, so I should go with them. They also talked to my parents. In fear, my parents agreed to let them take me away. They warned us not to tell anybody in the village about the incident, threatening to kill us if we did. They said that they would come to get me the next day and left.

I went to school the next day. I told my teacher and classmates about our encounter with the Maoists the previous day. By that time, a number of Maoists had arrived in the school premises, to take some students with them. They also told me to join them. Quietly, my teacher called me near her and advised me to tell the Maoists that I would go with them the next day. I told them as I was advised. When the Maoists were still talking to other students, my teacher helped me slip out quietly, and I went home. I was very scared. After I told my parents about what had happened, we all went to my aunt’s[i] house. My parents stayed there. But I didn’t feel like staying at my aunt’s house due to fear. Then I met a driver I knew and asked for a ride in his vehicle, without seeking permission from my parents. I slept in the vehicle. When I woke up at 4 the next morning, we had arrived in Kathmandu.

After arriving in Kathmandu, I went to my aunt’s[ii] house in Lalitpur and started staying with her. I went to Lagankhel frequently, where I got acquainted with tempo drivers and conductors. Eventually, I started working as a tempo conductor. Thereafter, I left my aunt’s house and started sleeping on the streets.

Few days after my arrival in Kathmandu, my parents also came to the city. Now they live in Lagankhel and work as laborers at a marble factory there.

Life was fun in the village. I got to go to school and have a good time with my friends. I loved the food cooked by my mother. But we have to work very hard here. I want to become a driver. Let’s see what happens.

I used to live in Lagankhel. But for the last three months, I have been staying at Hamro Sansar in Kumbheshwor.

[i] More specifically, father’s sister
[ii] More specifically, mother’s elder sister