Hetauda, September 26:

Over 500 youths of north Makwanpur, who left their home town when violence intensified after their anti-Maoist drive, are either unable or too afraid to return home. Villagers of northern VDCs of Makwanpur, Dandakharka, Gogane, Agra and Kiranchowk, Mahadevsthan of Dhading launched an anti-Maoist drive in mid-July after which these youths fled to Kathmandu, Hetauda, Palung and several other places for safety. Secretary of Tistung VDC, Jyoti Raymajhi, said the youths fled fearing retaliation by the Maoists and have not returned home even when Dashain is nearing.