Myagdi, January 7:

The Maoists have not stopped their tax collection campaign at Ghorepani and adjoining areas of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project.

They (Maoists) claimed that they were collecting taxes “as per the party’s directive”.

The Maoists are collecting Rs 100 from each tourist after establishing check posts at Birethanti and Landruk areas in Kaski district in the name of Tamuwan Autonomous Republic People’s Government.

“About Rs 40,000 is collected from Birethanti check post alone during the peak season,” said Maoist area committee member, Mahendra GC.

He claimed that they send the collected amount to the party’s district office.

Admitting that tax collection was a breach of the peace agreement signed between the government and the Maoists, he accused the government of not promulgating the interim constitution and preventing the Maoists from joining the interim government.

“We will stop collecting taxes after our party joins the government,” said another Maoist area committee member Udghosh.

The Maoists are also providing receipts (tourism tax bill) to the ‘tax payers’ in Jamjungpatti.