Normalcy yet to be restored in Tikapur

Dhangadi/Tikapur, September 1

Normalcy is yet to return to Tikapur amidst the curfew and fresh detention spree carried out by police in the name of bringing to book those guilty of the murder of eight persons, including seven security personnel here, about a week ago.

Locals of Tikapur, who were a terrorised lot after a round-the-clock curfew was clamped hot on the heels of the gruesome murder by declaring the area a riot-hi zone, are terrorised after the heavy deployment of security personnel.

The curfew has not only resulted in shortage of basic goods but also severed contact between people of the Tharu community and those of hill origin as many fear that failure to deal with the crisis might impair the harmonious relationship between the communities living here. Though many feel that discussion could facilitate rebuilding of trust between the diverse communities, the talks have failed to be materialise owing to the curfew.

As youths who have left their villages dread to return fearing the atrocities of security personnel in the wake of the killings, the woes of the elderly, women and children have multiplied as they have to fend for themselves now.

Regarding the recent developments, rights activist of Tikapur Thirulal Chaudhary blamed the state. “Security deployment has worsened the situation instead of improving it,” he argued, pointing to the need of trustworthy mediators to mend relations between the communities. “How can we expect to restore the harmony and trust between the diverse communities in such a scenario?” he asked, while Jagat Bahadur Bista of Manuwa, Kailali, too opined that the curfew wasn’t a solution.

“A harmony between the two communities is at risk, it is high time dialogue was initiated to break the deadlock and prevent the situation from worsening,” he argued, while other locals rued the non-appearance of political party leaders in the village at such a difficult time.

NC Kailali Secretary Prakash Bam informed of the ongoing talks among political leaders in the district and said talks could be expanded to include commoners of the villages too. “Everyone realises that curfew can’t be the long-term solution, so we are committed to take talks and dialogue to the village level to restore peace and trust between the diverse communities,” he said.

Curfew lifted for three hours

DHANGADI: The curfew, that has been in place in Tikapur ever since eight policemen, including a senior police officer and a two-year-old child died in a clash between police and agitators, was lifted for three hours on Tuesday. According to Assistant Chief District Officer Udaya Bahadur Singh of Kailali, curfew was lifted from 7:00am to 10:00am here. Similarly, curfew in Dhangadi was reduced by one hour. The declaration of riot-hit zone remains for the 10 VDCs and Tikapur area, though. Heavy security presence has been managed in these areas.