RUKUM: Security has been beefed up in yarsa-collecting areas in order to avert criminal activities in Rukum and Dolpa. 

Many yarsa-pickers had returned empty-handed last year following a surge in incidents of robberies in these areas. 

“A number of security personnel of Nepal Police from Dolpa, Rukum and Rapti zone have been mobilised to ensure a safe and conducive atmosphere for yarsa-pickers at Pupapallek of Rukum and Bukipatan of Dolpa,” said security officials. 

Mid-Western Regional Police Chief DIG Keshav Prasad Adhikari said police have been keeping strict vigilance at all entry points to major areas of Rukum and Dolpa. 

Police had netted those involved in robbery and assaults last year a few months back. “Cops have been mobilised in 17 security check points. So, the area is safe,” said DIG Adhikari. 

He stressed coordination between security personnel and citizens for peace and harmony at the inauguration of Taksera Area Police Office built with financial aid from the Ministry for Peace and Reconstruction. He urged the public to provide information to police to curb criminal activities. 

Local yarsa-pickers are confident about safety at Buki region after Sangam Roka alias Bikalpa, 30, of Hukam-9 in Rukum was detained. Bikalpa was the mastermind behind several criminal activities in past years. 

The yarsa–picking season, which has just started in the Himalayan region, is estimated to yield more than last year, said locals. 

According to police, as many as 75,000 persons have gathered in Dolpa, whereas around 5,000 locals have come together at Pupal area of Rukum. 

According to Bharat Kumar Pun, secretary at Yarsa-collection Management Committee, collection of the precious medicinal herb had started late this year due to continuous snowfall. Maikot area in Rukum, however, has opened for yarsa-collection. People will move to Dolpa after they collect yarsa in Rukum, said the committee members. 

Govinda Thapaliya, chief of Rukum District Police Office, said security was arranged in coordination with Rukum and Dolpa police along with Rukum District Development Committee. 

Meanwhile, Bharat Kumar Sharma, Local Development Officer of Rukum, said that Ranmamaikot VDC will charge Rs 300 as revenue from each yarsa-picker.