Though the Maoists claimed that the locals are themselves providing donations in recognition of Rai´s contribution to helping the community´s settlement at Mount Makalu and to save the community from underground mafias, locals expressed dissatisfaction at the donation drive. "Do only leaders have loans? Who will collect donation for the commoners?" a local asked. He said the locals will donate only if the Maoists convince them how Rai has helped the community.
On the other hand, Laxmi Rai of All Nepal Workers´ Association (Revolutionary) said the locals are "voluntarily" helping Rai who was injured during a clash with some land mafias four years ago. She said Rai had to take loans for his medical treatment in India.
According to the secretary of Makalu Settlement Main Committee Madan Kumar Tamang ´Kishan,´ Rai had to take Rs 80,000 loan for his treatment by keeping his house and land as collateral. Tamang also said they have collected Rs 20,000 as of Thursday. The Maoists are collecting minimum Rs 250 per household. There are 450 households in the community.
Meanwhile, arguing that no journalist had covered his story when he was injured, Sameer declined a comment on the ongoing drive.
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