Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 15:

International aid agencies today announced their pullout from Kalikot after Maoists beat up two local partners of a German aid project.

The Technical Cooperation of Germany’s (GTZ) investigation concluded that the Maoists had severely beaten two local employees of the NGO, who were working as partners of the Rural Community Infrastructure Work Programme. The GTZ members were also forced to give money at Sukatiya village of Kalikot.

“The investigation concluded that the Maoists assaulted a male and a female staff,” said a joint statement released by aid agencies. The woman was ordered to dig her own grave before a fee was paid and the two released.

The World Food Programme, Department of International Development, GTZ and Netherlands Development Organisation have decided to suspend work in Kalikot.

“The suspension is supported by all signatories of the Basic Operating Guidelines,” stated the release. The suspension will affect over 6,000 people.