BAJURA: Locals of Tipada in Badimalika Municipality-5 of Bajura district have blocked the Sanfe-Martadi Highway since Monday morning demanding compensation for their land that was acquired in course of the highway construction.

The District Administration Office and people's representatives turned a deaf ear to their demands despite frequent visits to discuss the issue, complained the locals.

They have accused the contractor company, PS Company, of failing to compensate them for their land property.

According to the residents, they had no option other than closing the highway to exert pressure on authorities concerned to make the contractor respond to their issues.

As per the papers, they were promised proper compensation for the arable land that has been acquired for the road construction project. However, as many as 11 households are yet to get the compensation, said local Dhir Bahadur Singh. "The road will not be opened till we are paid the compensation."

When approached, Chief District Officer Luk Bahadur Chhetri said, “An all-party meeting was held in the District Administration Office (DAO) Sunday to seek a legal remedy to the issue. Efforts are underway to reopen the highway.”

Meanwhile, vehicles operating on short and long routes have been stranded before reaching the destination due to the highway closure.