Rukum, December 27:

The Maoist has not yet returned the seized property to the rightful claimants of the conflict victims in Rukum district.

One hundred and thirty-three bighas of land is still being forcibly occupied by the Maoists, alleged Dharma Bahadur Shah of Kholagaun VDC. His plot was captured by the cadres in 2000. “Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has made many statements on returning the seized land and property, but his pleas have fallen on his cadres deaf ears. We got displaced after the ex-rebels not only occupied the land but also the 18-room house as well,” he added.

Meanwhile, the cadres are having a gala time with seized property. For instance, they are cultivating crops in the plot, owned by Hira Shah, in Kholagaun.

“They have also looted my cash in lakhs. The land, too, is gone for good,” she lamented.

According to Jeevan Khadka, a representative of the Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), seized property were yet to be returned to the more than 100 rightful owners even after the formation of the Maoist-led government more than four months ago.

The party’s district leaders, too, admitted the shortcoming. But, they are hopeful of the corrective measures.

“A process is underway to return the seized property. But, we will hand them over only after proper investigations,” they maintained.