In 2005 during the conflict the Maoists captured Rastriya Banijya Bank's regional office in Butwal on the grounds that it was occupied by refugees, farmers and the landless. But even months after the peace process began the building remains occupied.

Named the 'red house', the two- storey building is being used by the Maoists to run around 12 district-level brother organisations.

After the Maoists captured the building, the bank's regional office was relocated to Pokhara. The Butwal building was sold to Provident fund for 20 million rupees. Both Rastriya Banijya Bank and Provident fund have been pressuring the Maoists to vacate the building. The district administration office, Rupandehi has also sent several notices in this regard. Yet, the Maoists haven't responded to the notice or the follow-up.

"Even after the peace process, they are still occupying a government building. We have even called the district-level leaders to request them to vacate the building," says Chief District officer Dhurba Raj Wagle, "When we meet them they are very accommodating, they say they will leave in a few days. But, then they never do."

Meanwhile, Maoist district in-charge Basanta Shrestha says that since the Maoists have occupied the building for a long time, they have decided to buy it. "Due to lack of time we haven't talked to the bank about purchasing the building," he says. "If we are going to buy it then there is no reason why we should leave now."