Maoists now collecting at Ramghai

[yakshaver]

According to Santaman, who is presently trekking with some group in the Annapurnas, the Maoists have now moved their collection point from Birathanti to Ramghai. This is following the incident involving the Swiss tourists a couple of weeks ago. They are still collecting 100 rupees per day per tourist.

[thesilvertops]

I see in the Nepal press today that farmers in one region have refused demands for a "seasonal donation"! and sent the maoists away. Their augument was that the maoists are now part of the government, that they are receiving funding from the government and that they shouldn't need donations because of that funding.

Isn't it time that we also said "NO". If every trekker said "NO" instead of just handing over the cash then it would soon stop. Everyone who is "forced" to hand over these "voluntary" donations should also contact their embassy in Kathmandu and ask them what steps they (the Embassy staff) are taking to press the point with the Nepal Government that they should stop this extortion of tourists.

Have a good trip, Yakshaver. Will you be in KTM in March?