RuKuM- Bhagirath Khatri wanted his son to have a better education so he sent him to Khalanga, the district headquarters so his son could study in a safer environment. The Maoists considered that a crime. They detained and tortured him for days before forcing him into hard labour on their farm. Now he also has to work as their porter. The Maoists have threatened to kill him if he does not bring his son back soon. In Pipal village at Rukum, locals are no longer free to do anything without the permission of the Maoist commanders. They need a written permission letter from the Maoists to visit Khalanga and return to the village. On the other hand, they need gate passes from security forces to enter the district headquarters. Families who don't support the rebels are forced to leave and abandon their property. They end up displaced and homeless at district headquarters.

Maoist flags now flutter above village houses that have been commandeered for Maoist offices. Most locals now prefer to send their children away and face the Maoist wrath. Almost half the youth have left for Dang or Indian cities to study or work.