In an attempt to cut off the food supplies of the Maoists, food can only be transported into Pyuthan, Dang, Rolpa, Rukum and Salyan districts of the Rapti Zone with the permission of the Chief District Officer. This arrangement has inconvenienced locals because it has driven up the prices of essential commodities. The problem has begun to take a serious dimension, because security officials at the Bhalbang and Satbaria checkposts have begun to confiscate trucks carrying foodstuffs if they don't have the required papers. After the new arrangement came into force last week, the price of rice in Sulichaur, Rolpa, shot up from Rs 1,250 per kilo to Rs 1,650. The restriction on entry of foodstuffs is understood as part of the security forces' attempt to put the Maoists at a disadvantage.