Dang - Although the Maoists have destroyed infrastructure and public property all over the country, they are starting with development in their 'special district' that combines parts of Rolpa and Rukum. Areas of Rukum's Mahat VDC, Chunbang, Kakri, Kol, Taksera, Hukam, Maikot and Arjal and parts of Rolpa such as Uba, Mirol Kureli and Jelbang have also been incorporated into the special district. The area that falls under the Magarat Autonomous People's Government and has communistic governance.


The local government has set up various departments agriculture, education and industry, and have initiated projects. Similarly, a separate department has been constituted to look after legal problems. Communes and collective agriculture have been started where people share the harvests and private ownership is frowned upon. The party funds the purchase of seeds and afterwards buys the produce.

Farmers say they are happy with the new system: "Earlier, we had a difficult time scraping together two meals a day but now we have no such problems. This is a real communist system." The education department is busy formulating new courses and building schools. Regular school inspections are conducted and teachers are forced to adopt new Maoist calendars. Teachers from Taksera High School told visitors: "We have almost forgotten the holidays we had in the old calendar." Asked about the recruitment of children, they have a prompt answer: "Everybody has to join us whenever there is an intense conflict with the forces of the old regime."

In a few places, the Maoists have restarted small hydroelectric projects. Officials at the Maoists' industrial department said the party earns revenue from manufacturing units running in the special district. They claim the area is self-sufficient. The entire area is a-flutter with Maoist flags and welcome arches. Every family has to send at least one member to fight for the Maoists. Despite the positive changes, the people admit to feeling worried about their security. (Nepalnews.com)