Two Mugu men found dead in Mimi Patan after clash

Two men from Mugu who went missing after a clash during medicinal herb collection have been found dead in the Mimi Patan area, which borders Humla. Ang Bahadur Rokaya and Lalit Jang Baduwal, both from Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality-9, were part of a 13-member team that left their village on Ashoj 10 (BS) to collect herbs.According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ravi Raj Thapaliya of the District Police Office, Mugu, Rokaya’s body was discovered buried in snow in the Mimi Patan area on Ashoj 17 (BS). Baduwal’s body was found in the Sano Mimi area on Wednesday. Police confirmed that the discovery of both bodies concludes the search operation for the two missing individuals.The incident stems from a clash between two groups on Ashoj 11 (BS) during herb collection. Ganesh Bahadur Budha, 22, from Papu, Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality-9, died on the spot during this altercation. Rokaya and Baduwal went missing after this clash, while the other 10 members of their team made contact.Mimi Patan is a high-altitude Himalayan region known for valuable medicinal herbs such as Kutki and Jatamasi. Locals from wards 7, 8, and 9 of Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality have historically visited this area for herb collection. According to locals, disputes over the boundaries and usage rights of the herb-collecting forest areas have been ongoing for a long time.Following Budha’s death and the disappearance of Rokaya and Baduwal, the District Security Committee decided to launch a search operation. A joint security team, led by the Nepali Army, was deployed. The 20-member team comprised seven personnel from the Nepali Army, seven from Nepal Police, and six from the Armed Police Force.The team departed for the incident site on Ashoj 19 (BS). Police had previously stated that reaching the site was difficult, and thick snow had hampered body recovery and search efforts. Despite the extreme altitude, heavy snow, challenging geographical conditions, and adverse weather, the joint team pressed on with the search.Relevant authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident.