Khotang, December 4

The locals of Yamkha, Dandagaun and Temma VDCs of Khotang staged a sit-in in front of the District Development Committee in Diktel, citing dissatisfaction with the proposed restructuring of local bodies in the district.

The agitating locals said they did not agree with the proposal to split Temma VDC from Yamkha and Dandagaun VDCs while restructuring the local bodies. They also held a rally and took a round of the DDC after police stopped them from entering the DDC office. The rally later converged into a corner meeting in front of the DDC office.

The locals have demanded that Temma VDC be included in Dipung Village Assembly. Dandagaun Struggle Committee Coordinator Sharan Rai said they would not return home until their demand was met.

“The local body’s proposed restructuring modality prepared by a few leaders is not acceptable to us. We shall not return home until our demand is met,” Rai warned. Talks are being held between locals and representatives of major political parties in coordination with the Local Body Restructuring Technical Support Committee.

Former chairman of Temma VDC Dhan Kumar Rai said the proposed modality was unscientific as they had to rely on another Village Assembly for water, forest and other resources. Technical Support Committee had recommended including Dandagaun and Yamkha VDCs in Diprung Village Assembly and Temma in Sakela Village Assembly.

The residents of Khrami, Patheka, Bashpani, Khartamchha and Phedi VDCs have been protesting with the demand that Sampang Dumi Village Assembly be separated and incorporated with these VDCs.

The proposed restructuring has kept Patheka and Kharmi VDCs in Diktel Municipality, while Bashpani, Phedi and Khartamchha VDCs have been kept in Kepilasagadhi Municipality.