Moved by tale of Prakash Tamang, PM instructs for his citizenship

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 29: After watching Prakash Tamang’s story in ‘Herne Katha’, a web documentary series, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has taken the initiative to grant him a citizenship certificate immediately. 

The new episode of Herne Katha titled ‘Harayeka Barsha Haru’ (The Lost Years) was released on August 24. 

It depicts the story of Prakash Tamang from Jhapa, who ended up in the high mountains of Tsum Valley, Gorkha, and endured hardship for nearly 34 years, all the while unable to find his way back home. 

Lost for nearly three and a half decades in a strange land and surviving as a yak herder on just two meals a day, Prakash’s plight was poignantly revealed by Herne Katha and later reunited with his family. 

His heart-wrenching journey from the plains to the mountains has touched viewers deeply, even prompting the Prime Minister himself to write about the series on Facebook and take the initiative to improve Prakash’s life and rescue him from a situation of statelessness.

Taking to Facebook on Tuesday, he wrote that he became emotional and was moved to tears after watching the story of Prakash Tamang. He expressed his desire to meet Prakash in person and hear his story directly from him.

Stating that Prakash needs citizenship immediately, Prime Minister Oli called Home Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal on Tuesday night and instructed him to make necessary arrangements for Prakash’s citizenship, as it is his immediate need. 

According to Prime Minister Oli, Home Secretary Aryal has arranged to facilitate the issuance of citizenship within two to four days. Prakash has also been informed about the situation. 

Prime Minister Oli stated that further discussions would be held regarding the necessary support for Tamang once his citizenship was secured.

On Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Oli wrote on Facebook, “Good morning!! After watching Prakash Tamang’s story on Herne Katha, I reached out to the presenter Bidhya Chapagai through a friend at the secretariat. We couldn’t connect at that time due to her busy schedule. Later, the secretariat got in touch with Bidhya Chapagain and Prakash Tamang, and came to know that Prakash’s immediate need was citizenship.”

“Only with citizenship can he open a bank account and receive help from those who want to support him. I called Home Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal at 10 o’clock at night to discuss expediting the citizenship process. He has made arrangements for Prakash to receive citizenship within two to four days, and this update has been communicated to Prakash. There have also been discussions about providing the necessary support to Prakash once he has his citizenship,” he further writes.

He also appreciated the presenter Chapagain. He writes, “Bidhya Chapagai is an impressive storyteller, and I’ve seen many stories presented by her. I will also meet with Bidhya Chapagain to discuss this further. Thanks to the Herne Katha team for bringing this heartwarming story to life!”

Talking to The Rising Nepal, Nima Lama, Chairman of Tsum Nubri Rural Municipality, stated that they have been in close contact with Prakash and are coordinating with various stakeholders to help him acquire citizenship and secure his payment. 

Lama said he continues to work for his employer. A group of youth from Bhojpur have also coordinated with him to help Prakash, added Lama.