One year after the gruesome Madi incident that saw the death of 39 civilians and three security personnel traveling in a bus that was blown apart in a Maoist-laid mine blast, the victims are still languishing in hospitals and at home, thanks to government apathy and "hollow promises".
The June 6 incident -- so far the biggest rebel onslaught on a civilian target -- had drawn national and international condemnation, while the rebels said it was a "serious mistake". Another 72 were seriously injured in the blast.
Though the then government had committed itself to providing "free medical treatment" to all the victims, the latter claim that they have received only preliminary treatment so far.
"Apart from first-aid help, the government has given us nothing. We even submitted our medical bills to the Chief District Officer but there was no response," said one of the victims, Krishna Adhikari, 34, of Ayodhapuri-2. Adhikari lost both his legs and sustained a major spinal injury in the incident.
Adhikari, who is confined to a wheelchair, says he has already spent more than Rs 100,000 for his treatment. He is now planning to sell his house and only piece of land to pay for further treatment. He used to be the only breadwinner of the family.
Another victim, Dhankumari Poudel, 50, whose body was severely burnt below the waist, said she has already spent Rs. 70,000 for her treatment. "Seems like there is no rescue for me," Poudel laments. Likewise, Durga Maya Magar, suffering from a spinal injury, is also in dire straits.
The victims have been demanding that the identities of the real culprits should be made public and they should be brought to book.
Also, the concerned authorities should make proper arrangements for the livelihood of the victims' families, they demand. "We should be allowed to meet Baburam and Prachanda," one of the victims said.
The June 6 incident -- so far the biggest rebel onslaught on a civilian target -- had drawn national and international condemnation, while the rebels said it was a "serious mistake". Another 72 were seriously injured in the blast.
Though the then government had committed itself to providing "free medical treatment" to all the victims, the latter claim that they have received only preliminary treatment so far.
"Apart from first-aid help, the government has given us nothing. We even submitted our medical bills to the Chief District Officer but there was no response," said one of the victims, Krishna Adhikari, 34, of Ayodhapuri-2. Adhikari lost both his legs and sustained a major spinal injury in the incident.
Adhikari, who is confined to a wheelchair, says he has already spent more than Rs 100,000 for his treatment. He is now planning to sell his house and only piece of land to pay for further treatment. He used to be the only breadwinner of the family.
Another victim, Dhankumari Poudel, 50, whose body was severely burnt below the waist, said she has already spent Rs. 70,000 for her treatment. "Seems like there is no rescue for me," Poudel laments. Likewise, Durga Maya Magar, suffering from a spinal injury, is also in dire straits.
The victims have been demanding that the identities of the real culprits should be made public and they should be brought to book.
Also, the concerned authorities should make proper arrangements for the livelihood of the victims' families, they demand. "We should be allowed to meet Baburam and Prachanda," one of the victims said.
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