Two more bodies found in Mugu, raising herbal dispute death toll to three

The bodies of two individuals missing after a clash over herbal collection in Mimi Patan, a high-altitude area bordering Humla and Mugu districts, have been recovered, raising the death toll from the incident to three. Lalitjang Baduwal, 36, and Ang Bahadur Rokaya, both from Papu, Mugu Rural Municipality-9, were found dead under snow after an extensive search operation.Ganesh Bahadur Budha, 22, also from Papu, died on Ashoj 11 (BS) during the initial clash. Baduwal’s body was found on Ashoj 17 (BS) buried under snow in the Mimi Lekh area, which borders Chankheli Rural Municipality-2 in Humla. Rokaya’s body was recovered on Wednesday, Ashoj 21 (BS), in the Sano Mimi area, according to the District Police Office, Mugu.Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Raviraj Thapaliya of the District Police Office, Mugu, confirmed that the search for the two missing individuals has concluded with the discovery of their bodies. A joint security team transported both bodies from Chhaila, Mugu, to the District Hospital Mugu by vehicle on Thursday morning.A 20-member joint security team, led by the Nepali Army, was deployed to search for Baduwal and Rokaya following a decision by the District Security Committee. The team, comprising seven members from the Nepali Army, seven from Nepal Police, and six from the Armed Police Force, departed for the incident site on Ashoj 19 (BS).The search and rescue efforts were severely hampered by the extreme altitude, heavy snowfall, difficult terrain, and adverse weather conditions. The remote location made it challenging for the security personnel to reach the site and conduct the search effectively.The three deceased were part of a 13-member team from Papu and Chhaila that had set out on Ashoj 10 (BS) to collect medicinal herbs in Mimi Patan. This region is renowned for valuable herbs such as Kutki and Jatamasi. Locals from wards 7, 8, and 9 of Mugu Rural Municipality have been collecting herbs in this area for a long time.According to local residents, disputes over the boundaries and usage of herbal collection areas have been ongoing between different groups. This year, the long-standing conflict escalated into a fatal clash on Ashoj 11 (BS). While 10 members of the team returned after the clash, Baduwal and Rokaya remained missing until their bodies were found.The period from Ashoj to Mangsir (BS) is considered the primary season for herbal collection in Nepal’s Karnali Province. Under the Forest Regulations 2079, permission from the Divisional Forest Officer is required to collect herbs in forest areas.The tragic incident in Mimi Patan highlights the risks associated with herbal collection and the seriousness of boundary disputes in high-altitude regions. The identities of the individuals involved from the other side of the clash have not yet been revealed. Police are conducting further investigations into the detailed cause of the clash and the nature of the boundary dispute.The age of Ang Bahadur Rokaya has not been disclosed. This incident raises serious questions about the livelihoods of local communities and the safety of those working in high-altitude areas. Police continue to investigate the detailed causes of the clash and the parties involved.Earlier coverage: Two Mugu men found dead in Mimi Patan after clash