Many children of Nepal’s Maoist war are done with politics
Summary
Children born into Nepal’s Maoist insurgency are increasingly choosing careers and lives outside politics, even as a few remain active in party work. Their stories trace the war’s lasting impact on families, childhoods and the country’s political transformation.
Key Points
- Many children of Maoist insurgents say they want to leave politics behind and build independent careers after growing up amid war and imprisonment.
- Agrani Chapagain, who spent years with her mother in prison, now works in information technology and wants to support her family rather than enter politics.
- Others such as Sandeep Pun remain politically active, arguing that Maoist leaders betrayed the sacrifices made during the insurgency.
- Former Maoist leaders say they raised children in hiding during the war, while UN and UNICEF figures show thousands of children were affected by Nepal’s conflict.
