KATHMANDU: An armed group took advantage of the absence of villagers, who had gone to collect Yarsagumba, to loot Mugum Karmarong Village-1, Dolfu village in Mugu. Tshiring Kapne Lama, the Chairman of Mugum Karmarong, reported that the armed group targeted 23 out of 50 houses on Saturday evening, stealing cash, jewelry, and other valuables. They exploited the absence of able-bodied residents, leaving only the elderly and children in the village vulnerable to their attack.
The robbers also resorted to violence, assaulting the village's monastery priest. In response to the incident, Chief District Officer Topendra KC dispatched a police team from Pulu Police Station, situated five hours away from the village, upon receiving the report of the robbery. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. The village faced a similar episode last year when residents were away collecting Yarsagumba.
According to Mugum Karmarong-1 Ward President Karma Tunduk Lama, the armed group used firearms, swords, and machetes to break into houses, looting gold, silver, old utensils, herbs, old jewelry, and clothes. Deputy Superintendent of Police Birendra Thapa acknowledged the challenges in coordinating a response due to the remote location of the area, which falls within the boundaries of the Se-Phoksundo National Park, encompassing Mugum Karmarong-1, 3, and 4 Wards.
