Temporary Security Center Established in Lampata to Resolve Dispute

A joint temporary security center of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force has been established in Lampata, Himali Rural Municipality-3 of Bajura, to resolve the dispute between Bajura and Humla. On May 19, a team led by Gopal Hamal, mayor of Dhangadhi, who had gone to promote tourism in Ranisain area, was assaulted and mistreated by residents of Humla. Despite involvement in assaulting and detaining locals in Lampata, arrest warrants have been issued against 23 people from Humla.

The joint temporary security center of the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police has been set up in Himali Rural Municipality-3, Bajura. The centre was established to address the unrest caused by the dispute between Bajura and Humla in this area. Lampata is located at least three days’ travel from Bajura district headquarters Martadi. Earlier, a security team that left Martadi on May 11 arrived there only on Saturday, three days later.

The conflict began after the Sudurpashchim provincial government started to establish a temporary police outpost in Lampata. As tensions escalated in recent days, the government decided to establish a joint temporary security center to ensure safety. A few days ago, Humla residents were reported to have attacked Bajura’s Bhotia community, including physical assault and arson in cattle sheds.

Subsequently, a central security committee meeting decided to establish a joint central security center of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force in the disputed area. According to this decision, both security agencies are preparing to maintain peace, security, and coordination jointly in the contested region and keep the situation under control. The joint temporary security center in Lampata is staffed by a team of 28 personnel: 21 under the command of Inspector Janak Paudel from the Armed Police Force and 7 under Assistant Inspector Miththu Bahadur Bohara of the Nepal Police, according to Chief District Officer Dorendra Niraula.