Manu Bheel has become a symbol for the struggle against forced labour in Pakistan. Manu is a Dalit belonging to the Bheel ‘subcaste’. He and his family were freed in 1996 from forced labour when the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan found them in chains. Two years later, in May 1998, nine of Manu Bheel’s family members were kidnapped – allegedly on orders from the landlord from whom they had been rescued. Manu’s family members have still not been found. Arrests were not made until eight years later, and the suspects were released on bail – the case is not yet settled. Over the years, Manu has been tortured by people who wanted him to withdraw the case. International organisations have criticised the government for denying Manu and his family access to justice and basic human rights protection.
