Democracy in Nepal has not been kind to the country’s Indian population, both Hindus and Muslims, who are called Madhesis. Thousands of Madhesis, unofficial estimate puts it at 50,000, have fled the country to India ever since Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha President Abdul Moid Khan was killed on September 16.

Madhesis allege the murder was carried out by Nepal’s Young Communist League (YCL), the young-cadre base of the Maoists. Madhesis now demand the protection of the Royal Nepal Army before they go back to their country.

Nearly 10,000 Madhesis have set up base at the sleepy border town of Barhni in this state. Most of them derided reports that normalcy was returning to Nepal. Refugee Abdul Aleem said, “We will not go back unless the Nepal Government hands over its border districts to the Army.”

Most of these people lived in districts bordering India and Nepal. Brother of slain Madhesi leader Atturehman, who is also in a Barhni camp, said, “Our belongings are being looted by YCL members and even the police."