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Maoists step up extortion

Kantipur Report

ARGHAKHANCHI, Sept 28 - Locals in Arghakhanchi are terrorized as Maoists have intensified their donation campaign ahead of Dashain. From civil servants to locals returning home from abroad, rebels have been extorting money from all in the name of "tax" for the people's government, a local said.

"Two rebels recently came to the office demanding "Dashain tax", an employee at the District Administration Office said. The Maoists have been demanding Rs 500 to 15,000 "donation" from all government offices in the district.
Scattered around villages, several Maoist groups have been collecting money from locals returning home for Dashain. "Two persons who claimed to be Maoists, stopped me as I was on my way home and asked for some money. They would not let me go unless I paid the money," said Bishnu Prasad Banjhade of Sandhikharka, who arrived here from Delhi, India, on Wednesday.

Posted on: 2006-09-27 22:05:55 (Server Time)