Pyuthan, October 31:

The CPN-Maoist has not yet seized returned land and properties to rightful claimants.

Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had assured to return the seized land and property. The claimants say they have not got their land and properties back even after the formation of the Maoist-led government.

The Maoists have not returned the land and property belonging to Khadga Bahadur GC in the Machhi bazaar. GC was a member of the royal cabinet. The former rebels continue to hold land of Min Bahadur Ghimire and Yam Bahadur Ghimire, in Bhingrikhola and Tiram, respectively. The land belonging to the Swargadwari Ashram is also under seizure.

The Maoists have been cultivating crops in the land of Min Bahadur and taking Shelter in GC’s land.

“Apart from seizing my land, they had taken construction equipment worth over one lakh rupees with a pledge to return it soon. They have yet to return the equipment,” said Yam Bahadur.

Vice-chairman of the Pyuthan chapter of the Nepal Congress, Hukum Bahadur Bista, said the Maoists had not returned the property belonging to party cadre Khadga Bahadur Thapa at Gejwang in Dharmawati-3. CPN-UML district joint secretary, Hari Rijal, said the Maoists had not returned the property of Chuman Singh Bohara of Pikala Jhiwang.

Maoist district secretary Prakash admitted that the land and property belonging to GC, Min Bahadur Ghimire and Swargadwari Ashram were yet to be returned. “A process is underway to return the seized land and properties to the rightful owners. We will return the land and properties once the national-level Maoist cadres’ meet is held,” he said.

Stating that the Maoists have not returned their seized land and property, at least 110 persons

in the district have moved the local peace committee in the Pyuthan District Administration Office. However, in an all-party meeting held recently, the Maoists had claimed that they had seized the land and property of 32 families only.