尼泊爾地圖
遠西省 喜馬拉雅山脈
格爾納利省
藍 尼省 巴迪亞區
甘達基省
藍 尼省
巴格馬蒂省
馬德西省
戈希省
前言
歡迎來到「看不見的生命：尼泊爾內戰衝突中失落與堅韌的故事」
攝影展；這場展覽深入揭露一九九六至二〇〇六年間尼泊爾境內武裝 衝突裡的心碎故事，許多受到內戰衝擊的家庭，同時展現出生命的韌 性與希望。這個展覽所呈現的不只是攝影作品，更是獻給堅韌靈魂的 一曲頌歌──他們雖經歷常人難以想像的痛苦掙扎，仍舊持續追尋真 相與正義。
一段痛苦與不屈的旅程
展覽中每張照片都是一扇窗，讓您一窺內戰裡破碎家庭與個人的生活。
影像與親暱的私人話語，述說著親人失蹤或遭殺害後的故事，那些被 遺留下來的人的長久痛苦、堅韌不屈與對家人的愛。這些故事不只是
悲劇，更是人類勇氣與持續尋求真相正義的強大呼聲。
聽不見的聲音
展覽傳達出那些不被聽見的聲音。許多失蹤者的妻子母親至今仍然尋 求答案；父親哀痛失去的子女；整個社區仍在暴力餘波中掙扎求生。
特別是尼泊爾南部巴迪亞區的塔魯人，他們面對突如其來的被失蹤、 錯誤指控以及沉默無力的國家機制。他們的故事反映出十年暴力所刻 下的深切悲痛與傷痕。
透過這次展覽，我們希望紀念關於失蹤者的記憶，並放大失蹤者家 人的聲音。每一幅影像都是強大的提醒，不可遺忘衝突的長久影響， 並且呼籲問責、正義與療癒的必要性。我們努力確保這些故事不會被 遺忘或忽略，這些堅定守護記憶的人能獲得重視。
啟發反思與行動
希望這些故事能帶著您一同反思衝突影響下那些看不見的生命，並採 取行動支持正義與療癒。參觀展覽時，希望您能感受到這些家庭體 現的深刻人性勇氣與不滅希望。願他們的故事觸動您，為了未來悲劇 不再重演而共同努力。
感謝您與我們一同踏上這段紀念與堅韌的旅程 紀念記憶與放大發聲
所有照片、文字由BikkilSthapit/VOWMedia拍攝、撰稿。
展覽專有名詞介紹
尼泊爾武裝衝突──又稱「人民戰爭」
尼泊爾武裝衝突，又稱為「人民戰爭」，是一九九六至二〇〇六年 間，發生於尼泊爾境內的非國際性武裝衝突，交戰雙方為尼泊爾共產 黨（毛澤東主義）（簡稱尼共[毛派]）與尼泊爾政府。這場衝突最初是 從尼泊爾西部山區的小型叛亂開始，隨後逐步擴展至全國範圍。
這場發生於尼泊爾王國境內長達十年的戰爭，戰火遍及全國。執政的 君主政權跟尼共（毛派）在全國展開激烈對抗，後者發動大規模遊擊攻 勢。衝突在一九九六年二月十三日爆發，當時尼共（毛派）發動武裝起 義，目標是推翻君主統治，建立人民共和國。最終，雙方於二〇〇六 年十一月二十一日簽署《全面和平協議》，結束戰爭。
戰爭期間，交戰雙方均犯下嚴重的戰爭罪行及危害人類罪，導致 超過一萬七千人喪生，包含平民、反抗軍、軍隊與警察。此外，戰爭 更導致境內數十萬人流離失所，主要在鄉村地區。戰後，七個尼泊爾 政黨組成的聯盟，聯合尼共（毛派）發動大規模抗議，迫使國王退位， 重新恢復國會。這場運動最終促成廢除君主制，尼泊爾正式轉型為聯 邦共和國，徹底結束內戰。今日，真相與和解委員會已收到約六萬三 千件相關投訴請願，而強迫失蹤調查委員會則記錄了約三千起強迫失 蹤案件。
▶ 起因
透過這次展覽，我們希望紀念關於失蹤者的記憶，並放大失蹤者家 人的聲音。每一幅影像都是強大的提醒，不可遺忘衝突的長久影響，
並且呼籲問責、正義與療癒的必要性。我們努力確保這些故事不會被 遺忘或忽略，這些堅定守護記憶的人能獲得重視。
▶ 主要事件
一九九六年二月，尼共（毛派）發動「人民戰爭」。
尼共（毛派）採取遊擊戰術。
尼共（毛派）建立「人民法庭」司法制度。
衝突造成至少一萬三千人死亡，一千三百人失蹤。
▶ 主要解決方案
二〇〇六年十一月二十一日，雙方簽署《全面和平協議》。
《協議》成立真相與和解委員會及強迫失蹤調查委員會。
（《和平協議》簽訂八年後才正式運作）
《協議》承諾確保戰爭受害者獲得正義與賠償。
毛派民兵
尼泊爾毛派民兵，又稱為「人民解放軍」，是尼泊爾共產黨（毛澤東主 義）在尼泊爾內戰（一九九六至二〇〇六年）期間的武裝側翼組織。人
民解放軍負責對抗尼泊爾政府軍，在尼共（毛派）的起義行動中扮演重 要角色。最終目標是推翻君主制，建立「人民共和國」。
起義行動演變成長達十年的內戰，最終導致君主統治在二〇〇六年結 束。 〇六年簽訂的《和平協議》解散人民解放軍，成員整合進入尼泊爾 國家軍隊。
塔魯人
塔魯人是尼泊爾南部特萊地區的原住民族群，自古生活於此。過去七 十年間，他們面臨各種嚴峻挑戰，特別是在瘧疾根除計劃及山區大規 模移民之後，塔魯人的土地遭到嚴重侵佔。許多塔魯人失去祖先的土 地，陷入剝削勞動，經常只能獲得最低工資，甚至沒有工資，以償還 他們先前並未欠下的債務。
這些社會經濟動盪導致不平等的情況惡化，塔魯人在各方面都遭到邊 緣化。他們長期遭受剝削，健康情況不佳，取得資源及市場機會的管 道極為有限，在政府中更是缺乏代表性。儘管面臨這些系統性挑戰， 他們卻往往遭受不公平的指責，有人甚至將這些困境歸咎於他們社會 文化上的「缺陷」。這種偏見進一步加深歧視，削弱他們爭取自身權利 及經濟改善機會的能力。
衝突期間，許多塔魯人積極參與人民戰爭，經歷了嚴重動盪與暴力。
尼泊爾政府在後來稱之為「千里掃蕩行動II」中，大規模逮捕、殺害塔 魯人，許多人也被迫失蹤。
全國約有將近一千四百人在內戰期間被「強迫失蹤」。根據聯合國報告， 其中光是巴迪亞區就回報了超過兩百五十起失蹤案件，是單一地區失 蹤人數最高的區域。巴迪亞區的強迫失蹤者中，約有百分之八十五都 是塔魯人。
馬格節
馬格桑克朗節是尼泊爾的重要傳統節日，依照尼泊爾的維克拉姆曆或 葉列曆計算，每年於馬格月（維克拉姆曆第十個月，約為新曆一月中到 二月中）的第一天舉行。馬格節象徵冬至及薄什月（維克拉姆曆第九個 月，約為新曆十二月中到一月中）的結束。這個節日對塔魯人特別重 要，視之為新年；馬嘉人亦視為年度重要節日。尼泊爾各地許多原住 民族群都歡慶這個節日。馬格桑克朗節跟其他宗教傳統中的冬至節慶 有許多相似之處。
達顯節
達顯節又稱為「勝利十日節」、「莫尼節」或「杜爾迦女神節」，是尼泊爾 為期十五天的印度教節日，歡慶正義戰勝邪惡。這個節日慶祝女神杜 爾迦戰勝牛魔王摩醯濕，代表著力量與庇護。節日期間家人通常會團 聚一堂，接受長輩祝福，藉由參拜寺廟舉行儀式來進行精神反思。主
要傳統習俗包括提卡儀式（將米飯、鮮酪與朱砂混合物點在前額），以 及佩戴象徵吉祥好運的大麥芽。人們也會載歌載舞及放風箏。達顯 節的日期依據農曆計算，通常會落在新曆的九月或十月。
NEPAL MAP
Taiwan China India
CHINA INDIA
TAIWAN
SUDURPASHCHIM
China
LUMBINI
Bardiya District
MADHESH
BAGMATI
GANDAKI
LUMBINI
KARNALI
KOSHI
Himalaya
India
Kathmandu
Pokhara
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to "Unseen Lives: Narratives of Loss and Resilience in Nepal's Conflict," a poignant photo exhibition that delves deep into the heart-wrenching yet inspiring stories of families affected by Nepal's armed conflict from ���� to ����. This exhibition is more than a collection of photographs; it is a tribute to the enduring spirit of those who have faced unimaginable loss and continue to seek truth and justice.
The Journey of Pain and Resilience
Each photograph in this exhibition is a window into the lives of individuals and families torn apart by the conflict. The images, accompanied by personal narratives, highlight the enduring pain, resilience, and love of those left behind when their loved ones were disappeared or killed. These are not merely tales of tragedy but powerful stories of human courage and the undying hope for truth and justice.
Voices of the Unseen
The exhibition brings to light the stories of wives and mothers who continue to search for answers, fathers mourning the absence of their sons and daughters, and entire communities grappling with the aftermath of violence. Particularly, it sheds light on the Tharu community in Bardiya district, who faced
sudden disappearances, false accusations, and a deafening silence from state mechanisms. Their stories reveal the depth of grief and the scars left by a decade of violence.
Honoring Memories and Amplifying Voices
Through this exhibition, we aim to honor the memories of the disappeared and amplify the voices of their families. Each image serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of conflict and the necessity for accountability, justice, and healing. We strive to ensure that these stories are neither forgotten nor ignored, and that the resilience of those who keep their memories alive is celebrated.
Inspiring Reflection and Action
May these narratives inspire you to reflect on the unseen lives affected by the conflict and to take action towards supporting justice and healing. As you walk through this exhibition, remember the profound human courage and the undying hope that these families embody. Let their stories move you to advocate for a future where such tragedies are never repeated.
Thank you for joining us in this journey of remembrance and resilience.
AllphotosbyBikkilSthapit/VOWMedia
Exhibition Terminology Introduction
Nepal's Armed Conflict ‒ a.k.a People's War
Nepal's armed conflict, also known as People's War, was a non-international armed conflict between the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPN-M) and the Government of Nepal from ���� to ����. The conflict began as a small rebellion in the western hill districts of Nepal and eventually expanded across the country.
T he prolonged armed conflict unfolded in the Kingdom of Nepal from ���� to ����. The war involved nationwide clashes between the ruling monarchy and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), with the latter employing extensive guerrilla warfare tactics. The conflict began on February ��, ����, when the CPN (Maoist) launched an insurgency aimed at overthrowing the monarchy and establishing a people's republic. It concluded with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord on November ��, ����.
T he war was marked by widespread war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both sides. It claimed over ��,��� lives, including civilians, insurgents, and members of the army and police, and led to the internal displacement of hundreds of thousands, primarily in rural areas. In the aftermath, widespread protests led by a coalition of seven Nepalese political parties, in collaboration with the Maoists, pressured the King to abdicate, resulting in the reinstatement of Parliament. This movement culminated in the abolition of the monarchy and Nepal's transition into a federal republic, offi-
cially ending the civil war. To date, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has received approximately ��,��� complaints, while the Commission for Investigation of Enforced Disappearances has documented around �,��� cases.
▶ Causes
Poverty, unemployment, and economic inequality.
A centralized, corrupt, and power-biased governing system. A lack of local elected government.
▶
Major Events
The CPN-M launched a "people's war" in February ����.
The CPN-M used guerrilla warfare.
The CPN-M operated a judicial system called the Jana Adalat (People's Court).
The conflict left at least ��,��� people dead and �,��� missing.
▶
Major Resolution
The Comprehensive Peace Accord was signed on November ��, ����.
The accord established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a Commission on Disappeared Persons. (after � years of peace accord)
The accord also committed to ensuring justice and reparations for victims of the conflict.
Tharu
The Tharu people are an ethnic group indigenous to the Terai in southern Nepal. The Tharu, an indigenous ethnic group in Nepal's western Terai, have lived in the region since ancient times. Over the past �� years, they have faced significant challenges, including land encroachment following the eradication of malaria and migration from hill areas. Many Tharus lost their ancestral land, forcing them into exploitative labor, often at minimal or no wages, to repay debts they hadn't incurred before.
T hese socio-economic disruptions deepened inequalities, leaving the Tharus marginalized. They face exploitation, poor health, limited access to resources and markets, and minimal representation in government. Despite these systemic challenges, they are often unfairly blamed for their struggles, with some attributing their hardships to social and cultural shortcomings. This perception has further reinforced discrimination, weakening their ability to advocate for their rights and economic upliftment.
There is a significant numbers of Tharu people who contributed in People's War. The Tharu people of Nepal experienced instability and violence during the Civil War. The government of Nepal arrested, murdered, and forcefully disappeared Tharu people in what became known as "Operation Kilo Sera II".
Nationwide, nearly �,��� people were“disappeared”during the war. According to the UN, more than ��� cases of enforced disappearances were reported in Bardiya district alone ‒ the highest number in a single district. Nearly �� percent of those who“disappeared”in Bardiya were Tharus.
Maghi
Maghe Sankranti is a significant Nepali festival observed on the first day of Magh in the Vikram Sambat (B.S.) or Yele calendar. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the month of Poush. This festival holds particular importance for the Tharu community, who celebrate it as their New Year, and it is recognized as a major annual festival for the Magar community. Additionally, it is widely celebrated by many indigenous communities across Nepal. Maghe Sankranti also shares similarities with solstice festivals in various other religious traditions.
The Maoist Militia of Nepal, also known as the People's Liberation Army (PLA), was the armed wing of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) during the Nepalese Civil War (����-����). The PLA was formed to fight against the Nepalese government and played a significant role in the Maoist insurgency�. The Maoists aimed to overthrow the monarchy and establish a people's republic.
The insurgency led to a decade-long conflict, resulting in the eventual downfall of the monarchy in ���� and the signing of a peace agreement in ����, which led to the PLA's dissolution and the integration of its members into the national army.
Dashain, also called Vijaya Dashami, Mhwoni, or Durga Puja, is a ��-day Hindu festival in Nepal that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It honors Goddess Durga’s defeat of the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing power and protection. The festival brings families together as they reunite, receive blessings from elders, and reflect spiritually through temple visits and rituals. Key traditions include the Tika ceremony, where a mix of rice, yogurt, and red vermilion is applied to foreheads, and the use of Jamara, or barley sprouts, for good fortune. People also enjoy cultural activities like dancing, singing, and kite flying. Dashain usually takes place in September or October based on the lunar calendar.
Maoist Militia
Dashain Dance
