Phidim, June 4:

Maoists have imposed a night-time curfew in Phidim, the Panchthar district headquarters from yesterday.

Earlier, the government has been imposing curfew since 2001 to stop infiltration of Maoists.

The Maoists say they have enforced a curfew following the “conspiracy of vigilantes” against them and the rise of alcoholism as the Maoists cadres moved to the town after the announcement of ceasefire.

The Maoists’ area no 4,5 and 6 in charge, Prakash, said the curfew was imposed because the police administration remained inactive despite increasing activities of the vigilantes.

“We have received information that conspiracy is being hatched against the pro-democracy agitators who stood against the autocratic monarchy,” he added.

According to him, unarmed People’s Liberation Army cadres will be mobilised in the bazaar area from 9:00 pm till 04:00 am, the next morning.

Meanwhile, the civil society has complained that the local administration has not shown much interest to control alcoholism, threatening to hoteliers and shopkeepers, attacks on the pro-democracy journalists, human rights activists and civilians and other violent activities.

President of the Nepal Human Rights Organisation, Panchthar, Surya Kumar Niraula, said control over social anomalies is needed when such incidents are increasing due to lack of proper attention by the local administration.

The Maoists have said the PLA night patrol team would also assisted those going for

emergency works and actions will be taken against the violators.