BAGLUNG: Voters in Jaimini area of Baglung have urged election candidates to introduce a concrete policy to control the growing monkey menace, saying it has become increasingly difficult to live in the village.
As candidates reached villages seeking votes for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, locals complained that the monkey problem has made farming and daily life unbearable.
Kumari Thapa of Jaimini Municipality-5 said the village has been gradually emptied due to migration, and monkeys have started occupying homes.
“With people migrating, the village has become deserted and monkeys have begun living in our houses,” she said. “They destroy crops in the fields and damage goods kept inside homes. In such a situation, how can we continue living here?”
Thapa added that earlier people left the village due to lack of development, but now even after some improvements, the monkey menace is forcing residents to consider leaving. “We will vote for whoever brings a clear plan to control monkeys and make the village livable again,” she said.
Another local, Pratima Paudel, said children and elderly people are especially vulnerable. According to her, monkeys that once stayed in forests have now started entering settlements and even attempting to attack children and senior citizens.
“When we leave home for farm work or other tasks, we are forced to leave one or two people behind to guard the house,” she said. “Over the past five years, monkeys have created havoc in the village. Those who could afford it have already moved to towns. Only ordinary families remain.”
She added that in the past, monkeys used to fear large groups of villagers, but now they even try to attack when chased away. “We have requested leaders who come asking for votes to ensure monkey control and create a safe environment for us to live here,” Paudel said.
Tam Bahadur BK of Bareng-1 said voters will support candidates who understand and address the real needs of the people. “Many leaders have come asking for votes, but this time we will vote for the one who understands farmers’ problems,” he said.
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