ILAM: Residents of Ilam’s Mabu have launched an agitation putting several demands before the under-construction Upper Maikhola Hydropower Project. Their demands include blacktopping the road from Barbote to the project site, providing financial aid to a school and managing a hospital in the area. Stating that their community forest had been affected by the project, they have sought compensation. Citing that their demands were not addressed, the locals have formed an 11-member struggle committee to carry out the phase-wise agitation. Harka Resmi Magar coordinates the committee. To begin with, they have hoisted black flags in Naag Dhandh, Jor Dhara and the source of Seto Kholsa.