Abstract
Abstract This article discusses the ‘gang’ in Nepal. Drawing on a two-year case study conducted in Kathmandu, involving a survey and interviews with criminal justice practitioners, government officials, NGO workers, social activists as well as interviews and focus groups with ex-street children, the article argues that gangs in Nepal are a complex social phenomenon. The term ‘gang’ is used to describe a multitude of criminal groups, many of which operate in alliance with the state. Gangs are also closely associated with organized crime and in many instances, street children become involved in these criminal groups. The article illustrates how street children develop their own groups to assist their survival. For these young people gangs provide solidarity, support, friendship and are vehicles for income generation. Thus, there is no one ‘gang’, rather many gangs, who change and evolve, the implications of which are discussed.
Published Version
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