Maoist cadres raising donations from trekkers in Manaslu area
Unified CPN (Maoist) cadres are raising donations for 'the third people's movement' from foreign tourists going for trekking in Manaslu area, in northern Gorkha, reports say.
According to Nagarik daily, Maoist cadres affiliated to Tamuwan Rajya Samiti have installed check posts in Thumi and Gumda, the entry points of Manaslu Conservation Area, displaying boards marked Samyukta Jana Krantikari Parishad' (the name of the parallel government declared by the Maoists during conflict), Tamuwan Rajya Samiti.
They are raising anything between Rs 3000 to 5000 per person from tourists visiting the area. They ask the tourists to contribute for the 'third people's movement.' Manaslu area is a protected area and foreign tourists who wish to trek in the area need to obtain a special permit from the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) with additional tarrif.
With the Maoists collecting money at the entry point of the area, trekkers are subjected to double taxation .About 50 trekkers go for trekking in the area daily.
Two weeks ago a group which identified itself as Maoists had looted two separate groups of french tourists at gunpoint in the area. However, Maoist district committee has denied that the party is taking donations. We had taken voluntary donations two months ago, but have stopped it now after requests to do so, said Chuda Mani Khadka, district secretary.
According to Nagarik daily, Maoist cadres affiliated to Tamuwan Rajya Samiti have installed check posts in Thumi and Gumda, the entry points of Manaslu Conservation Area, displaying boards marked Samyukta Jana Krantikari Parishad' (the name of the parallel government declared by the Maoists during conflict), Tamuwan Rajya Samiti.
They are raising anything between Rs 3000 to 5000 per person from tourists visiting the area. They ask the tourists to contribute for the 'third people's movement.' Manaslu area is a protected area and foreign tourists who wish to trek in the area need to obtain a special permit from the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) with additional tarrif.
With the Maoists collecting money at the entry point of the area, trekkers are subjected to double taxation .About 50 trekkers go for trekking in the area daily.
Two weeks ago a group which identified itself as Maoists had looted two separate groups of french tourists at gunpoint in the area. However, Maoist district committee has denied that the party is taking donations. We had taken voluntary donations two months ago, but have stopped it now after requests to do so, said Chuda Mani Khadka, district secretary.
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