Muskan Khatoon of Nepal has set out on a big fight at the young age of 15 - against acid attacks.
Muskan herself is an acid attack victim and is raising her voice for a stricter law against this heinous crime.
She says, “When I was undergoing treatment, I was thinking, again and again, that from where the money would come for the treatment. What will my family do? In the midst of this pain, I thought of all those girls like me who go through this pain."
Their hard work has paid off to some extent and a new law has been made in Nepal by issuing an ordinance for this crime.
Muskan Khatoon has been honored with the International Woman of Courage (IWOC) Award in the US for her contribution and courage in the fight against acid attacks.
A virtual program will be organized in America on March 8 regarding this award, in which America's First Lady Jill Biden and Secretary of State Tony Blinken will also be present.
This is the 15th year of IWOC. The award honors women around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment, by taking risks and making sacrifices. Haven't turned back either.
Earlier, Malala Yousafzai has been given this award for the work done for women and girls in Pakistan.
Unbearable Pain At The Age Of 14
Muskan Khatoon lived in Birganj city of Nepal and used to go to school there too.
September 6, 2019, was the day when Muskaan had to pay the price for saying no to a boy. Then Muskan used to study in the ninth class and that boy used to harass her. He told me about this in his house.
Muskan says, “Then my father scolded the boy and slapped him in an argument. At that time the boy said that he would not bother me anymore but he came again after four months.
“He also had a friend with him. He had a jug full of acid in his hand. They tried to make me drink acid but when I did not let it happen, they threw acid on me. He just wanted to kill me. At that time I was in pain. Some people around took me to the hospital."
Muskan underwent a long treatment in the hospital. In this attack, his face, both hands, throat, chest, and one ear were burnt from one side. His ear has suffered a lot.
worry about the cost of treatment
A smile scorched in acid passed through an unbearable pain that is hard to imagine. The pain was as physical as it was mental.
In the ninth class, Muskan wanted to study further and wanted to become a doctor. In a jiffy, all his dreams were shattered. First the war of survival and then the fear of living with the wounds of acid attack. At that time many such things were going on in Muskaan's mind.
She says, “I was undergoing treatment, so I was getting more trouble than burning, how my mother and father would be able to get me treated. When I told this to Ammi, she said that you do not worry, we will get you treated from anywhere.
The initial cost of the treatment was borne by Muskaan's parents. But later his worries subsided a bit when help started coming from different places for treatment. Due to the lack of treatment in Birganj, Muskan was brought to the capital Kathmandu for treatment. Now his family is living in Kathmandu.
In the midst of these troubles, Muskaan also found a purpose. He demanded strict laws against acid attacks and help to the victims in the cost of treatment. He also wrote a letter to Nepal's Prime Minister KP Oli in this regard.
Muskan says, “Earlier there was no strict law against acid attack in Nepal. At the same time, the priests could not get help either. I understood how difficult life becomes for an acid victim. He doesn't even get justice. So I decided to raise my voice about it. I got a lot of support from people. Everyone outside the house encouraged me."
Referring to India regarding the cases of acid attack, she says, "We have heard of such cases in India too, there to the rules against it were strictly enforced. Be it Nepal or India, I will tell every acid attack victim that she Don't give up and raise your voice."
The dreams of a smile are still alive, but some other purpose has also been added to it. She also wants to work for acid attack victims in the future.
The accused who attacked him were arrested and the trial of the case is going on in the court.
The New Law In Nepal👇
Muskan wrote a letter to Prime Minister KP Oli for the new law and also met him.
Later, KP Oli asked to draft a new law against acid attacks. Also issued an ordinance to punish criminals and regulate the sale of chemicals.
There was a law against acid attacks in Nepal earlier but now it has been made more strict.
According to news agency ANI, this ordinance was passed in September 2020. According to this, if the acid victim dies, then life imprisonment will be given. If the victim is injured or damages his bodily parts, the offender will be sentenced to 20 years and fined Rs 10 lakh. However, the sentence of life imprisonment was already there.
In the new ordinance, especially the criteria for the punishment of criminals have been broadened. In this, the punishment has been decided according to the wounds suffered by the victim and the affected organs. Apart from this, free treatment of acid attack victims has been ensured.
Muskaan says that she is happy with the new law. They feel that this will help stop the acid attack and the victims will get justice and help.
On behalf of the US Embassy in Nepal, it has been said, “The role of a smile in bringing about change has been very important. The Embassy is proud to support her and promote the advancement of women's and girls' rights in Nepal."
Ready To make Dreams Come True
Muskan Khatoon does not tire of thanking the people who gave her love and support in this journey. In this, she wholeheartedly thanks the people of Nepal, America, and India.
He told that he was very happy when actors Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, and actress Kriti Sanon from India sent messages for his recovery.
His mother Shahnaz Khatoon and father Rasool Ansari are also not happy with their happiness. Today their sorrows have turned into happiness. He also thanked those who supported Muskaan.
Muskan is currently undergoing treatment and some surgeries are yet to be done. At the same time, she is again completing her ninth education and goes to school in Kathmandu.
She says, “I am not going to stop and these scars cannot harm me. To stop is the one who has committed the crime."
Muskaan's strength and joy in her voice make it seem that she has left behind an acid attack victim and is ready to fulfill her dreams.
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