In 2015, Sunil Das, a resident of Janakpur Sub-Metropolis-15, in Dhanusha district, sustained three bullets during the third Madhes movement. He was taken to Kathmandu for treatment, where doctors removed two bullets from his abdomen and thigh. They were however unable to remove the last bullet. And for the past three years, Das has been living with a bullet lodged in his back.

Das, who is in his early thirties, sustained the bullets injuries when security personnel fired at demonstrators in Janakpur on September 11, 2015. He was one among the many Madhesi people who had staged demonstrations demanding the government incorporate their rights in the constitution that was promulgated on September 20.

“It is difficult for me to walk, especially on an uneven path,” said Das. After undergoing treatment at the Kathmandu-based Bir Hospital, Das got two bullets removed, but the doctors were unable to take out the third one as it was stuck under a vein. The doctors involved in the treatment said a complex surgery was needed to remove the bullet.

After a wait of three long years, the provincial government of Province 2 on Sunday finally provided him Rs 150,000 as relief amount at a function that was organised to commemorate the Madhes movement. Chief Minister (CM) Mohammad Lalbabu Raut handed him a cheque for the amount amidst  the function.

“I have been facing various health, as well as financial, problems due to the bullet. If I get treatment, I can work for my livelihood and end many problems,” Das told CM Raut as he appealed for a treatment. The provincial executive chief assured he would consult with doctors and provide him employment.

Raut, who was elected as the CM from Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal, claimed that the provincial government has been providing relief and managing employment to the injured and to the families of those who attained martyrdom during the Madhes movement.

As per the information available at the Office of the Chief Minister, the provincial government has distributed Rs 12.7 million as relief money to 97 people who were injured during the Madhes movement. The office also claims it is providing employment opportunities to the families of 46 martyrs (among 58) who were killed during the movement.