Border dispute between Bajura and Humla turns violent; five injured including police

KATHMANDU: A dispute along the Bajura–Humla border escalated into a clash on Tuesday, leaving five people, including police personnel, injured.

The incident took place at Lampata in Ward No. 3 of Himali Rural Municipality in Bajura after tensions rose over the construction of a police post and boundary demarcation issues, according to authorities.

The clash broke out after residents from Thali in Ward No. 2 of Kharpunath Rural Municipality in Humla protested against the disputed boundary area, leading to a confrontation with locals from Bajura. The long-standing border dispute has recently intensified.

Among the injured are ward member Pema Gura Gurung, his wife Laxmi Gurung, Minu Kunwar, police assistant head constable Mahesh Dhami of Bichchhiya Police Post, and local government chief administrative officer Kul Bahadur Thapa. They sustained injuries to the back, neck, chest, and legs, according to the District Police Office, Bajura.

Tensions reportedly escalated further when a team led by Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Gopal Hamal, who was visiting the Shailesh Himal base camp under the “Hami Sudurpaschim, Hami Chinauchaun” campaign, reached the site.

Local residents from Thali became angry when the team attempted to capture footage using a drone, further intensifying the dispute.

Communication has since been disrupted, and the condition of Mayor Hamal’s team remains unclear.

Meanwhile, the Sudurpaschim Provincial Government had allocated Rs 4 million for the construction of a police post at Lampata. However, locals from Thali have opposed the construction, claiming the area falls under their traditional use land.