A Policeman in Lalitupar

October 20, 2009
Often when I walk down the streets, people stare. Some smile at me, and return my greeting of “Namaste.” Some look at me with slight confusion, as though I am some sort of apparition. Others look at me with disdain, I’m guessing because of their assumption that I’m a Christian and am here on His behalf. While watching the kids play soccer today (I was tired and needed to breathe), a man sitting nearby said hello in English! Surprised at the chance for adult conversation in English (the first time since Chloe left almost 3 weeks ago), I moved over and said hello back. We went through the small talk of where I’m from, how long I’ve been here, how long I’m staying, and where I’m living. He was incredibly surprised that I’m a teacher, and said he figured I was a university student (go figure!). I asked him where what he did, and he told me that he’s a policeman.

To be a policeman is dangerous at times in the US, but nothing compared to here in Nepal. With the Maoist uprising from ’96 to ’06, the war was between the police and the Maoists for the most part. The Maoists bombed many police stations, and killed hundreds of police. Here in Kathmandu and the surrounding areas, there were many “shoot out’s” between the rebels and the Police. He saw more than his share of violence and death, and a weary look covered his face as he thought back over those years. With a breath of relief, he stated that today things are better, though, as the fighting has stopped for the most part. There are still pockets of dispute, but his risk is much lower now.

He also feels less risk because he works at a Hindu temple, and the Maoists would almost certainly not bomb one of their own temples. He told me that if I ever come visit it, I will have to let him know, and he will give Prokesh and I a full tour (Prokesh is the one who typically takes us around to visit places; he’s the one who took Chloe and I to Ghorka). I gave him my e-mail address, and he said that he’d love to keep talking over e-mail. Hopefully, he gets to see some light through our conversation and God opens a door for talk of Jesus between him and Prokesh if they get the chance to meet each other!