Road Blocked Due to Bajura Residents’ Protest, Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage Disrupted

May 11, Dhangadhi – Bajura residents have erupted in protest after authorities failed to take action against individuals who assaulted local representatives from Humla upon their arrival in Lampata, Himalayan Rural Municipality-3, Bajura. Since Wednesday, locals have been demonstrating at Dhulachaur, the administrative center of the Himalayan Rural Municipality. Protesters are demanding the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the assault on Chief Administrative Officer Kulbahadur Thapa, Ward No. 3 member Pemagara Gurung, and others. They have set tires on fire in the streets, effectively halting vehicular traffic in Dhulachaur. This blockade has also caused complications for pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar.

A group of 18 pilgrims from Kathmandu, including Sukra Tamang from Thulung Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality in Solukhumbu, reported encountering difficulties due to the local agitation. According to Tamang, their bus arrived in Dhulachaur at 5 a.m. Thursday via the Karnali Corridor Road, but was prevented from proceeding because the road was blocked by locals. The group is now continuing their journey on foot towards Mansarovar. Other pilgrims passing through Dhulachaur have also been forced to proceed on foot.

Laxman Pudasaini, Deputy Chief District Officer of Bajura, informed that locals have been protesting in Dhulachaur since Wednesday. He stated that Bajura police, with assistance from Humla police, are searching for those involved in the assault. On May 17, individuals from Humla came to Lampata village and assaulted Ward member Pemagara Gurung and others, taking them hostage. Additionally, a tourism promotion group led by Dhangadhi Mayor Gopal Hamal was pelted with stones at Ranisain. A few days ago, stone fences constructed by locals in Ranisain were destroyed and set on fire. Residents are demanding an impartial investigation into the incidents and legal action against those responsible for arson, assault, and looting. On Wednesday, locals in the headquarters Martadi also held protest demonstrations in opposition to the events.