PARSA, March 23 -- Ramjyoti Devi of Jagarnathpur in Birgunj-22, Parsa, did not celebrate Holi this year. In fact, she has not been celebrating the festival since her son died almost four years ago.

Every year, Ramjyoti spends Holi remembering her deceased son Dilip Chaurasiya. On August 31, 2015, Dilip was killed in police firing in Birgunj during the Madhes protest. Dilip, who was only 19, was an engineering student. "When I see his friends celebrate Holi, I am reminded of my son," says Ramjyoti.

After Dilip's untimely death, the government provided Rs1 million as compensation to Ramjyoti's family, but the money has done little to assuage the feeling of loss among the Chaurasiya family. "The compensation will not bring my son back," sh...