A pro-democracy activist of 1990’s popular movement is still running from pillars to post in search of help for treatment of his illness caused due to torture by the security men.
Manidev Aryal, 36, of Nepalgunj underwent severe torture at the hands of the police during a street demonstration in 1990. Aryal says he sustained serious injury on his back, which damaged both of his kidneys.
Manidev Aryal
Manidev Aryal (Photo Source :kk)
“They continuously hit on the lower part of my back when I was on the street and later I was arrested,” Aryal recalls that fateful time. “Along with hundreds of others, I was on the street of Nepalgunj, chanting slogans for democracy and defying the Panchyat regime’s clampdown,” and adds, “Many of us were indiscriminately beaten up even after being taken into custody by the security personnel.”
Later, he was taken to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu for treatment. He could not move around for six months and remained under intensive treatment for two years. Aryal also went to New Delhi, India, for treatment with the government’s assistance but his damaged kidneys could not be treated fully.
Then, in 1993, the Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT), a non-governmental human rights organisation working for victims of torture, helped in his further treatment at a hospital in Germany.
His health was improving but another misfortune was perhaps awaiting him.
“I was feeling better and gradually returning to my normal life. But all of a sudden, I had to undergo another painful experience after I was arrested on the false charge for helping Maoists in February 1998,” he explains, “I was severely tortured in the army detention,” Aryal explains, “I begged for mercy, requested them not to hit on my back but my cry fell on deaf ears.” He says he was continuously tortured for seven days at the Chisapani barrack of the army.
Due to the torture, Aryal’s health condition started deteriorating all over again and now he is in a critical condition. He says the doctors have said his health will further worsen if he does not receive treatment in time. Doctors have advised him to change the sphincter placed inside his body in 1993 in Germany to activate kidney functions.
“Doctors have said I have to visit the hospital [in Germany] again for my treatment. But I do not have money for that. I need help,” says Aryal.
Aryal even took his case before the parliamentary committee that is responsible for looking after the issues of medical treatment of persons injured during the people’s movement-II in April this year. “I am yet to receive any help or assurance from the committee,” he complains, “Our contribution for the restoration of democracy must be recognised and our right to life must be protected.”