Pradip Pariyar Asks: Why Doesn’t the Pain of Hiralal Paswan Move Us ?

Kathmandu : Social activist and writer Pradip Pariyar has raised serious questions about the state’s sensitivity and priorities over the death of 57-year-old Hiralal Paswan, who made a living selling peanuts in Thapathali, and the suffering of citizens who lost their lives in a landslide in Rolpa.

Pariyar questioned why the state and society have failed to show adequate sensitivity toward such suffering and disasters faced by citizens. He asked, “The pain of Hiralal Paswan does not hurt us, nor does the pain of those who lost their lives in the Rolpa landslide. What, then, is it that actually hurts us?”, questioning the priorities of the state.

He also questioned how long the government takes to address citizens’ basic problems and how long the loss of lives will continue.

“What is the government’s priority? How long will the state take to resolve such problems faced by citizens? How many lives must be lost before we take these issues seriously?” Pariyar asked.

According to him, these questions are not intended merely as accusations against the government but are being raised to make the state accountable. His message is that the state must demonstrate greater sensitivity and responsibility toward the lives of people who are economically disadvantaged, displaced, vulnerable and affected by natural disasters.

Pariyar paid tribute to Paswan and those who lost their lives in the Rolpa landslide and expressed deep condolences to their bereaved families.

The death of Hiralal Paswan and the Rolpa landslide have once again raised a serious question: Will the state pay attention only after citizens lose their lives, or will it act in time to protect their lives?