Maoist cadres have demanded "donations" from secretaries of all 65 VDCs in the district for their labor congregations and the upcoming general strike. [break]
The 40 VDC secretaries who are living in Biratnagar after the extortion attempt have asked the local development officer to arrange for their security. They came to the this city from Mahadeva, Bardanga, Jhurkiya, Rangeli, Sorabhag, Dadarberiya, Kadmaha, Pokhariya, Nocha, Siswani Jahada, Thalaha, and Motipur, among other villages.
“Of late, VDC secretaries have become fearful owing to a rampant donation drive,” said Local Development Officer Pashupati Pokharel of Morang.
But Ganesh Upreti (Sushil), Maoist ´acting in-charge´ of Morang claimed that though they have asked all sectors for contribution for the agitation there is no need to be displaced.
“VDC secretaries have also been asked to provide donations for the movement, but they have not been threatened,” he claimed. He charged that those who want the movement to become weak are trying to tarnish the voluntary donation campaign.
However, the VDC Secretary Rights Protection Center, Morang, has objected to the rampant donation campaign and the threat of “physical action” against VDC secretaries.
The center said that the Maoists have put the names of some VDC secretaries in their "hit list" for “physical action” for the latter´s refusal to pay donations.
Meanwhile, the Maoists have sent letters to teachers in Morang district asking them to donate 10 days´ salaries. The district education office said the notices have made teachers fearful.
The Maoists are planning to hold a demonstration in Biratnagar on May 1.
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