The Maoists had sold Sahakari´s land in Rupsa VDC for Rs 51000 to four of their supporters who refused to hand over the land without getting their money back. The all-party meeting held at the District Administration Office Sunday decided that the money would be paid from the VDC fund. [break]
Chief District Officer (CDO) Durga Dutta Dhakal said while representatives from other parties argued that the Maoists party should pay the money, the Maoists were adamant that the state should pay.
Following the decision to pay the buyers with VDC´s fund, NC leader Sahakari too demanded Rs 100,000 as compensation for the loss of five years´ yield from the land, causing the VDC fund to suffer a loss of Rs 150,000.
Fearing that others may also ask for similar compensations from the VDC fund, the minute of the meeting has just mentioned that the buyers of Sahakari´s land would be paid by raising fund at the local level, according to a leader present at the meeting. But CDO Dhakal confirmed with Republica that the payment would be made from the VDC fund.
Mediapersons, VDC Secretary´s Association and other stakeholders in the district have condemned the decision to pay for the seized land with the fund meant for VDC development.
Taskforce urges for return of re-captured land
The district leaders of three major political parties, including the Maoists, have urged the radical faction of UCPN-Maoist on Sunday to return the seized land belonging to NC leader Binaya Dhowj Chand and family members, according to our correspondent Dinesh Gautam.
The district level taskforce for return of seized property, that includes the district chiefs of three major political parties, held a meeting later in the day after visiting Rajapur-7 along with Chief District Officer (CDO) Ram Krishna Subedi.
The process of returning seized land has hit a roadblock in Bardiya district after the land owned by Chands, seized by the Maoists some 11 years ago and returned on Friday, was captured again by the radical faction of the party.
Related story
Jugmani Chaudhary: A land rights activist making strides in Wes...
