Elderly in Nepal face assault and disrespect, struggle for dignity

An elderly man in Nepal faced physical assault for upholding a religious custom, sparking outrage and highlighting a growing concern for the dignity of senior citizens. Shanta Kumar Shrestha, 78, was hit with a helmet by a 21-year-old man after Shrestha asked a child not to enter a temple wearing shoes during evening prayers in Bharatpur Metropolitan City. The incident, captured on video, shows the younger man confronting Shrestha and striking him.

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An investigation is underway after a case was registered against him under charges related to indecent behaviour. The legal process is ongoing.

Police have taken the assailant, Shekhar Chand, into custody and are investigating the case under charges related to indecent behavior. This incident echoes another case from March where a man was arrested for verbally abusing an elderly person on a roadside in Lalitpur. That incident drew the attention of the Home Minister, who emphasized that no one is above the law.

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Please take note, no one is above the law.

These events reflect a disturbing trend of disrespect and neglect towards the elderly in Nepal. Sabitri Baral, 65, shared her reluctance to use public transport due to unpleasant experiences. She recounted being shouted at and told to move to the back of a crowded microbus, with some passengers suggesting elderly people should take taxis instead. Such encounters have led her to rely on her sons or taxis for transportation.

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The vehicle was crowded, but we got on anyway. Instead of offering a seat to an elderly passenger, people at the front shouted at us to move to the back. Some even said, ‘Elderly people should take a taxi.’

Many elderly individuals report experiencing humiliation and abuse in various settings, from public spaces to even within their homes. Videos circulating on social media often depict mistreatment of seniors, leaving many deeply upset. "We were young once, too. Everyone grows old someday," Baral reflected, questioning why the elderly are treated with such disregard. The incidents underscore a societal challenge in ensuring that older generations are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

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We were young once, too. Everyone grows old someday. But why do people hurt us as if they themselves will never reach old age?