Holeri (Rolpa), April 21:

Though a year has passed since the Maoists entered into a ceasefire and they have already joined the interim government, the people in Rolpa, considered to be the birthplace of Maoist insurgency in Nepal, are yet to heave a sigh of relief.

The Rolpalis are terrified by Maoist cadres, who are threatening them to cast their votes for the CPN-Maoist in the upcoming CA polls, locals said.

“The Maoists’ weapons have been locked up in containers. However, their behaviour has not changed,” said Dambar Bahadur Rokaya at Jhenam VDC-2.

The Maoists had started the conflict in the nation by attacking the Holeri-based police post on February 13, 1996. The Banijya Bank, Women’s Development Centre and police post displaced during the conflict have not been restored yet.

NC Rolpa committee member Devendra Bohora said: “Locals here are not feeling secure even after the Maoists joined the interim government. Peace has not been restored here.”

UML Rolpa committee member Gopal Dangi said that former Nuwagaun VDC vice-chairman Ghan Shyam Khadka has filed a complaint at the UML party office saying that the Maoists have threatened to kill him. “The Maoists abducted an elderly woman on April 4 alleging that her family had not provided them donation. They freed her later on the condition that Rs 60,000 would be paid to them,” Dangi said.

Meanwhile, Maoists’ Dahaban-based fifth division commander, Sharad said: “The other parties are just criticising the Maoists. Our party is working for the welfare of the people.” Rolpa assistant CDO Topendra KC said security situation is improving in the district.