Maoist cadres here say the fresh donation drive is a part of their decisive struggle against the current government announced nearly two months ago by their party. Donation letters signed by Maoist Seti-Mahakali state committee in-charge Kanchan Sharma and Secretary Khagraj Bhatta have been sent to various offices and individuals in the district. Secretary Bhatta however, claimed that he has no information about the donation drive in Doti. [break]
When asked how donation letters signed by him were dispatched in the name of various individuals and offices, Bhatta said, "Our friends might have asked for donations as part of our regular activity."
Although the letters were prepared in UCPN (Maoist) letter head formally asking for donation, Maoist cadres have been giving mental torture to individuals under the pretext of donation, say victims.
Maoist district secretary Bibek Kumal informed that party cadres have been collecting donation for Maoist function on Republic Day that falls on May 29.
Despite Maoist claims that they are not forcing anyone to pay donations, victims said they have been terrorized due to the donation drive.
The Maoist cadres have asked Rs 5,000 each from primary school teachers, Rs 7,000 from lower secondary-level and Rs 10,000 from secondary-level school teachers. Teachers of higher-secondary level have been asked to pay Rs 15,000.
Likewise, Maoist cadres have asked 12 days´ salary from government officials working in health institutions, among other offices.
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