ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the fragmented identity of Indian Nepalis. Indians living with multiple identities seem to fly under the radar, but confusion continues to surround them because there are Nepalis in both Nepal and India. Indian Nepalis were evicted in thousands and expected to return to what was perceived as their homeland, Nepal, when they were very much of Indian origin. This creates a disguise under which migrant Nepalis, who are said to have no vested interest in India, can cross back and forth between borders and allegedly commit crimes, leaving the Indian Nepalis who bear the same physical features and who share the same language to be blamed. Segregating the native Nepalis from the migrant ones is virtually impossible, and despite the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship and a policing of the India-Nepal border, there will continue to be a migration of people between India and Nepal.
