SOLUKHUMBHU-Maoists have been collecting their 'people's government tax' from tourists visiting the Solukmbhu region more strictly. They are charging Rs 1,000 from each tourist, and more from American trekkers.
"We are charging the Americans more," said Rajendra, district chief of the Maoists in Solukhmubu. He added the amount charged from Americans would depend on whatever demands the Maoists feel like making. There are no taxes for Nepalis, although trekking groups have to pay Rs 250 per porter they employ.

The tourists get receipts so they are not taxed twice along the trails by other Maoists. Any national or international non-government organisation has to keep up with the Maoists' terms and conditions to conduct development programs in the region, which has been declared a 'people's government zone'. They said that Maoist approval is a must for working in these regions and the organisations would be allowed to work only if they agree to pay royalties to the Maoists. Though the Maoists do not have any problems with United Nations mediation in the peace process, Maoist activists in Solukhumbu do not view the UN positively.

"We have demanded a royalty of 15 percent for every Rs 100,000 and will spend the money on development activities for the villages," said Rajendra. A team that had gone to the region this week for tourism promotion was challenged by Maoists, who said: "Give us Rs 5,000 out of every Rs 200,000. You spend the rest and compete with us in the promotional activities." Rajendra said that details on amount collected from tourists and NGOs would be made public. He said that money is being collected from the NGOs because they have high overheads. For the moment, the decree is valid in the lower regions of Solukhumbu in Jubing, Beni, Garma, Kaku, Wasa, Kagel, Tingla, Kerung, Tapting, Patale, Junbesi and Sunkhani.

One of the projects affected is UNDP's Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Program (TRPAP) in 12 VDCs. TRPAP's five-year plan of developing physical infrastructure in the region has been affected. More than 10,000 people were to benefit from the program.

"Since we will not be able to provide 15 percent tax as demanded by the Maoists, it seems that we will have to close down the program," said a TRPAP official. Dron Pokhrel, the CDO said development will lag behind due to Maoist activities. (Nepalnews.com)