[break]
As per the announcement, Khalanga will be the state capital of Bheri-Karnali that includes Surkhet, Dailekh, Kalikot, Jajarkot and Jumla districts. The Maoist party has stated that around a half of Mugu and Dolpa districts will also fall under Bheri-Karnali state. The state was announced by Maoist standing committee member Krishna Bahadur Mahara amidst a function in Jumla.
Similarly, party standing committee member Netra Bikram Chand announced Bhote-Lama state amidst a function at Humla district headquarters Simikot. The Maoists held the function at District Development Committee office due to snowfall. According to the Maoist party, Bhote-Lama state includes Humla, half of Mugu, Dolpa and Bajura district.
Speaking at the function in Jumla, Mahara said that the declaration of autonomous state in Karnali will be helpful in the development of the backward region.
Some locals have opposed the Maoist move to split Karnali region into two provinces. So far the Maoists have declared eight provinces namely Limbuwan, Kochila, Seti-Mahakali, Tharuwan, Kirat, Sherpa, Bheri-Karnali and Bhote-Lama as part of their protest demanding "civilian supremacy". Among the 13 provinces the Maoists have floated, 11 are based on ethnicty and two on region.
Related story
We’ll declare martyrs of people’s war as national martyrs: PM D...
