National
Inmates ‘happy’ at Bhimphedi
Prisoners who were transferred from Birgunj, Biratnagar, Kathmandu, and Sindhupalchok to Bhimphedi Prison in Makwanpur are happy that they are now in a well-facilitated “house of correction”.Pratap Bista
Prisoners who were transferred from Birgunj, Biratnagar, Kathmandu, and Sindhupalchok to Bhimphedi Prison in Makwanpur are happy that they are now in a well-facilitated “house of correction”.
Prisoner Hasta Bahadur Shahi, who came from Bhadragol Jail in Kathmandu, said “no other prison in Nepal has facilities like Bhimphedi”.
The jail has 558 prisoners, who are busy weaving muda (stool) and carpets, stitching clothes and giving haircuts inside the prison.
They said life here is not boring as they can watch television, read newspapers and use telephone. They can play volleyball on the prison premises where library and fitness equipment are also available.
Jailer Mahendra Khadka said they were trying to develop the prison as a rehabilitation centre. The facility, however, houses prisoners double its capacity.
As the inmates are
busy, there are no disputes between them. Guard Laxman Paudel said the
prisoners forget that they are in jail.
“If we had enough space, we could run a garment factory here,” said Paudel.
Most prisoners earn between Rs2,000 and Rs8,000 each month. Prisoner Ashok Syangtan of Kulekhani said he sends home Rs8,000 every month of his earning from weaving carpet.