BAJURA, JUNE 10
The Ranisain Victims' Struggle Committee has shut down the Martadi market and blocked the Karnali Corridor, demanding the arrest of those involved in recent violence in the Ranisain area of Himali Rural Municipality-3.
According to reports, the protest was launched over alleged attacks, arson and the displacement of local residents in Lampata-Ranisain. The committee claims that more than 100 people from Kharpunath Rural Municipality of Humla torched sheds, vandalised property and forced 35 Bhote families to leave the area.
Himali Rural Municipality spokesperson Bhimananda Pandey told RSS that a complaint had been filed against 23 individuals in connection with the incident, but no action had been taken so far. The committee also submitted a memorandum to Chief District Officer Dorendra Niraula on Wednesday, demanding legal action against those responsible and the establishment of a permanent security post in Ranisain.
The latest protest follows escalating tensions in the disputed area. On May 19, a team visiting Ranisain for tourism promotion was allegedly attacked, injuring Himali Rural Municipality Chief Administrative Officer Kul Bahadur Thapa, Ward Member Pemagara Gurung, his wife Laxmi Gurung, local resident Minu Kunwar and police assistant constable Mahesh Dhami.
Amid growing security concerns, the government has deployed a joint team of the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police to Lampata and established a temporary security base in the area.
Chief District Officer Niraula said a 28-member team comprising 21 Armed Police personnel led by Inspector Janak Poudel and seven Nepal Police personnel under Assistant Sub-Inspector Mitthu Bahadur Bohara had been dispatched from Martadi. The security team will conduct regular patrols in the Ranisain area for the next three months.
District Police Office Bajura chief DSP Shaileshwari Bohara said the temporary post was set up following repeated incidents of violence and threats to local residents. The deployment follows a government decision to establish both a Border Protection Outpost of the Armed Police Force and a temporary Nepal Police post in Lampata.
The Ranisain area has witnessed a series of disputes in recent weeks, with Bhote community members alleging forced eviction, arson and destruction of property. Local residents have been calling for an impartial investigation and a long-term resolution to the inter-district boundary and ownership dispute through dialogue and coordination among the concerned authorities.
