Altogether, 36 males from households in Nar remain confined in Manang prison since then. They were all arrested on charges of murdering the seven youths at Lapsebhir of Nar village. [break]
After the incarceration of three dozen working males aged between 18 and 52, villagers have been unable to undertake plantation in the fields. In view of this problem, the villagers have requested the court to issue its verdict as soon as possible.
“They have requested for a prompt verdict,” said Ram Raj Subedi, chief district officer of Manang.
The absence of males in the village has increased loss of cattle in attacks by snow leopards. Since the arrests, villagers have lost 25 yaks, four horses and 24 sheep in such attacks.
Some houses have only female members.
Subedi, however, expressed helplessness with regards to release of the men unless the court issues a verdict.
Recently, villagers requested visiting Maoist lawmaker Dev Gurung to ensure swift conclusion of legal proceedings, and also compensation for loss of cattle.
“They requested help in swift verdict and said not all the arrested are guilty,” Gurung said, adding, “Fifty percent of males of the village are in custody. This has made it difficult for the elderly, women and children to take care of daily chores.”
Raising cattle and collecting medicinal herbs is a major source of income for Nar locals, apart from limited cultivation. The Nar village has a population of around 400. It is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level and at a distance of 17 miles from district headquarters Chame.
Locals of Nar do not allow people from outside to pick up yarsagumba. They bashed to death the seven youths from Gorakha and threw their bodies in a river accusing them of coming to the area to steal yarsagumba. Police are yet to recover the dead bodies of five.
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