SURKHET: The normal life in the eastern region of Surkhet has come to a standstill following the murder of YCL cadre Asharam Sunar. Protesting the killing, Maoist cadres have vandalised and torched houses of CPN-UML leaders and activists in the district. Nearly a dozen villagers have left the village following the terror of the Maoists. A group of at least 25 YCL cadres set ablaze the house of Kul Bahadur Khatri yesterday evening at Botechaur, Sahare VDC and vandalised hotel belonging to Bhakta Bahadur Thapa. According Laxmi, daughter of Kul Bahadur, some 6.5 tolas of gold, six lakh cash and other valuables were burned down. Dilmaya, wife of Bhakta Bahadur, informed that Maoists looted one lakh cash and four tolas of gold. According to a local Purna Prasad Dhakal, around a dozen families were compelled to desert their houses and take shelter in houses of neighbours and relatives out of fear of Maoists. Families of Sashi Bhattarai and Prem Rana have been sheltering in the district headquarters after they were threatened for life. Meanwhile, CPN-UML Surkhet has condemned the incidents of firing and vandalism. Organising a press meet today, UML Surkhet chairman Navaraj Rawat refuted the allegation and warned the Maoists not to mistake their patience as weakness.