KATHMANDU: Despite the government’s claims that no form of unrest exists in Nepal following the end of various violent and separatist groups, a recent incident in Jumla has heightened security concerns.
The country moved towards peace after the end of the decade-long Maoist insurgency.
However, groups with political demands, particularly those engaging in violent activities in the Terai, emerged.
Even the group led by Netra Bikram Chand, dissatisfied with the Maoist Center, raised security concerns.
The government has maintained that with these groups joining the peace process, there are no violent groups causing insecurity in Nepal.
Contradicting this claim, an armed group was arrested in Jumla, challenging the government’s stance.
On Friday, police arrested four individuals with advanced weapons in the Patan area near Chane Lek in Patarasi Rural Municipality-3, Mahari village, Jumla, escalating security challenges.
According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Arjun Chand Thakuri of the Karnali Province Police Office in Surkhet, on May 27 (Jestha 14), an armed group of eight people looted the homes of locals from Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality-1, Dolpu village, who had gone to collect Yarsagumba.
Immediately after the incident, police were deployed at checkpoints in Jumla, Mugu, and Dolpa.
Nearly a month after the incident, the police successfully arrested four of the eight involved in the Yarsagumba looting in Mugu, with advanced weapons, DIG Chand stated.
“There are reports of more arrests, but due to unfavorable weather conditions in the area, we haven’t received confirmed information. The police team is still at the scene,” DIG Chand said, adding, “Possibly by tonight or Saturday morning, the team engaged in the investigation will reach Jumla headquarters, and the full details of the incident will emerge. So far, four people have been arrested. The police may have apprehended all involved, but we are not in contact yet.”
Comment