Quake victims learn to face attackers

KATMANDU: Nepal is teaching self-defence to quake-affected women and children following a string of attacks in temporary camps housing survivors, police said Friday.
More than 8,700 people died in two major quakes that hit Nepal on April 25 and May 12, destroying nearly half a million houses and leaving thousands camping out in the open.
“Cases of abuse and violence have been reported in the camps, and some women complain of feeling insecure living there,” said police official, Tara Devi Thapa, who is coordinating the classes.
“These skills will help them feel confident against attackers and will be useful for their protection,” Thapa told AFP. On Friday morning, dozens of women took a break from chores and brought their children to an open ground in a camp in Katmandu, as an all-female police team taught them basic judo and karate moves. “Don’t think you are weak just because you are a woman,” said constable Pramila Khadka.
“Listen to me attentively, and you won’t have trouble tackling even someone stronger than you,” Khadka, a judo player, told the women.