Clash at Bajura-Humla Border: Group Including Dhangadhi Mayor Arrives with Drone, Altercation Ensues
May 19, Dhangadhi – Five individuals were injured in a clash that occurred Tuesday morning in Lampata, Himalaya Rural Municipality–3 of Bajura district, stemming from the construction of a temporary police outpost and ongoing border disputes. Locals from Thali, Kharpunath Rural Municipality–2 of Humla, had protested the border disagreement, leading to a confrontation with residents of Himalaya Rural Municipality.
According to Police Inspector Naresh Bahadur Shahi of the District Police Office, five people sustained minor injuries during the clash.
The injured include Pema Gara Gurung, 34, a ward member from Himalaya Rural Municipality–3, his 33-year-old wife Laxmi Gurung, 24-year-old Minu Kunwar, Police Assistant Havildar Mahesh Dhami stationed at the Bichhiya Police Outpost, and Himalaya Rural Municipality’s Executive Chief Kula Bahadur Thapa. They suffered injuries to their back, neck, chest, and legs; however, police confirmed their condition is stable.
Although the border dispute has been longstanding, the incident escalated Tuesday morning as Himalaya Rural Municipality’s chairperson and a delegation led by Mayor Gopal Hamal of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City approached the base camp in Saipal Himal. The delegation’s use of a drone to record video footage provoked anger among locals from Thali, Kharpunath Rural Municipality–2 of Humla. Approximately 300 residents assembled and launched an attack.
Following the altercation, local residents prevented Mayor Hamal’s delegation from advancing further. Due to communication difficulties, police have not been able to confirm whether the mayor’s team retreated or continued onward.
The Sudurpashchim Province government had allocated NPR 4 million for constructing the police outpost building in Lampata. However, locals from Thali, Kharpunath Rural Municipality–2 of Humla oppose the construction, arguing that historically the area has been under their use. To date, no substantial steps have been taken to resolve the border dispute.