In Rukum, Maoists have established their 'people's government'. The people's government is now trying to force its will on the followers of the UML and other parties. The UML, with a view to strengthening its party, started a nationwide programme but when UML workers entered Rukum, it appears that the people's government was terrified and passed a new directive. The people's government, led by one Purna Bahadur Gharti, has passed a rule stating that if anyone from outside or within the district wants to conduct a programme, prior information must be given to the people's government and permission sought from them. The people's government will then decide on whether to grant them permission or not.

A source in the UML said: "We, the UML, did not tolerate the dictatorship of the Ranas, the Panchayat system and the Congress. We will not tolerate the dictatorship of the people's government too. Maybe they think we will get scared and stop our programme. But we will not stop; that directive is of no concern to us."