May 22, Kathmandu - Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamalal Kandel has officially written to Prime Minister Balen Shah seeking immediate intervention to resolve ongoing border disputes between Humla and Bajura districts.

According to his secretariat, the chief minister urged the federal government to take swift action to address the conflict that has escalated in the border areas, causing increased tensions among citizens and disrupting peace and security.

In the letter, Kandel emphasized the need for caution to prevent further damage from the boundary disputes and called for urgent measures from the federal government to restore harmony.

The border tensions have led to a 24-hour transportation shutdown in the Karnali corridor, severely impacting daily life and commerce in the region.

The conflict intensified when locals in Humla attacked Bajura residents following the proposed establishment of a police outpost in Bajura. In response, Bajura residents have organized protests and blocked roads in Dhulachaur and Kawari since Thursday. Negotiations are ongoing to reopen the roads.

The clashes resulted in injuries to five individuals, including the Chief Administrative Officer of Bajura's Himali Rural Municipality, Kul Bahadur Thapa; 34-year-old resident and ward member of Himali-3, Pema Gara Gurung; his wife, 33-year-old Laxmi Gurung; 24-year-old Minu Kunwar; and Police Assistant Sub-Inspector Mahesh Dhami.

Two of the injured were airlifted to Karnali Province Hospital in Surkhet on the second day of the incident, and later transferred to hospitals in Banke and Kathmandu. According to Bajura Police, three of the injured have been discharged from the trauma center, while Minu Kunwar continues to receive treatment.

Police are currently engaged in dialogue to resolve the situation in Dhalachaur, involving local youth groups, political parties, and district officials, including Bajura's Chief and Vice-Chair. Despite ongoing talks, protests outside the negotiation site demand action against the attackers, with slogans calling for justice and police intervention.

District Administration Officer Doren Niraula stated that discussions are underway to lift the road blockade, emphasizing that all parties agree that the blockade should not cause prolonged hardship to the public. However, he stressed that those involved in attacks and assaults must be held accountable, and the establishment of a police outpost is necessary.

Bajura Police spokesperson Naresh Bahadur Shahi confirmed that no formal complaints have been filed yet, and no arrests have been made. Niraula added that no formal charges have been lodged regarding the assaults, and the injured, three of whom have been discharged, are expected to file complaints soon.

Humla District Police Chief DSP Shankar Khadka indicated that, despite the road blockade in Bajura, transportation disruptions are limited to that district, and there are no major issues in Humla. He affirmed that the dispute is localized to Bajura, with ongoing negotiations and no arrests so far.