MUGU: An armed group looted Mugum Karmarong Village-1, Dolfu village in Mugu, taking advantage of the villagers’ absence as they went to collect Yarsagumba.

Chairman of Mugum Karmarong, Tshiring Kapne Lama, informed that the armed group ransacked 23 out of 50 houses on Saturday evening, stealing cash, jewelry, and other valuables.

“The group looted the houses, exploiting the fact that only the elderly and children were left in the village,” he said.

The robbers also beat the village’s monastery priest. Chief District Officer Topendra KC dispatched a police team from Pulu Police Station, which is five hours away from the village, upon learning about the robbery.

This is not the first incident; the village experienced looting last year when residents went to collect Yarsagumba.

Mugum Karmarong-1 Ward President Karma Tunduk Lama reported the robbery to the police, noting that the armed group used guns, swords, and machetes to break into houses, stealing gold, silver, old utensils, herbs, old jewelry, and clothes.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Birendra Thapa mentioned the difficulty in contacting the officers on site due to the remote location.

The area, encompassing Mugum Karmarong-1, 3, and 4 Wards, is part of the Se-Phoksundo National Park.