Travel Writer

Seeing is Believing
By LB Thapa

"Are you a Nepali?" asked the gentleman. At first, I got freaked out, and then replied him. “Yes, I am a Nepali”. He said that he had been to Nepal for several times. He showed my jacket. There was a picture of Swayambhunath on my jacket. I was then in Beirut, Lebanon.

He introduced himself as Thomas Reed, a professional photographer. Thomas told me about his experience that he had a few years ago in Nepal when Maoists rebels waged a bloody war. It was really amazing, thrilling and incredible indeed.

In October 2004, Thomas Reed visited Nepal. This visit was no more different than previous ones. He left for a trek to Ghandruk. Before Thomas Reed could understand anything, a group of Maoists blindfolded Thomas and ordered him to follow them. Equipped with SLR and 303 assault rifles, Thomas Reed immediately understood that he was kidnapped by the Maoists. He shuddered at the thought of possible execution or using him for ransom.

Thomas Reed was almost sure that his release was next to impossible at least under that circumstance. After three hours of regular walk through rough terrain, they stopped. After having dinner, boys began to sing and dance. They pulled Thomas by hand and asked him to join them. First Thomas hesitated but soon he started dancing with them.

Thomas wanted to be with them for a few days more but the group leader asked Thomas not to walk with them as it could be dangerous for his life. He insisted, but they bid him good-bye and vanished into the thick forest.

Thomas Reed opened his bag and showed me the photograph. I saw a smiling face of Thomas in the photo. He told me that he had never ever read or heard in his life that so-called terrorists would also treat hostages in such a friendly manner.