Former Kamaiyas or bonded labourers, freed by the government of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in July 2000, Sunday announced protest stirs from January 12 if their basic needs are not met by then by the government.

The former bonded labourers come from five districts of Dang, Banke, Bardia, Kailali and Kanchanpur- all Maoist-affected districts. The former slaves are demanding 10 katthas of land, identity cards, food and shelter.

Many former slaves have joined the Maoist insurgency.