Gopal Hamal Reaches Lampata Amid Border Tensions

Clashes broke out in a remote border area between Bajura and Humla districts on Tuesday after tensions over a temporary police post and a long-running territorial dispute escalated into violence, leaving five people injured.

The incident took place at Lampata in Himali Rural Municipality-3 of Bajura, where disagreements over the construction of a temporary police post have been simmering for weeks. Local residents from Kharpunath Rural Municipality-2 in neighbouring Humla opposed the construction, claiming the disputed land has long remained under their traditional use.

The situation turned volatile when a visiting delegation led by Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Gopal Hamal arrived in the area as part of the “Hamro Sudurpashchim Hami Chinaunchhau” campaign promoting the region. The team, which also included officials from Himali Rural Municipality, was heading toward the Saipal Himal base camp.

Tensions reportedly intensified after members of the group began filming the area using a drone. Police said around 250 to 300 residents from Thali village in Humla gathered at the site and objected to the activity, triggering heated arguments that later turned into physical clashes.

Among those injured are ward member Pema Gara Gurung of Himali Rural Municipality-3, his wife Laxmi Gurung, Minu Kunwar, police assistant head constable Mahesh Dhami and Himali Rural Municipality chief administrative officer Kul Bahadur Thapa. Police said the injuries were minor and all five are in stable condition.

Border tensions have been building for days

The dispute did not erupt suddenly. According to police, friction in the area had already intensified after locals opposing the police post allegedly threw away construction materials on May 16. Security personnel were then mobilised following complaints from local authorities.

A separate police team was later dispatched from the temporary police post at Kuwadi, and discussions were held between both sides in an attempt to calm the situation. While authorities initially believed tensions had eased, Tuesday’s confrontation exposed how unresolved the border disagreement remains.

The Sudurpashchim provincial government has allocated Rs 4 million for the construction of the police post at Lampata. But residents from Humla’s Thali area continue to oppose the project, insisting the land falls within their traditional territory. Despite years of disagreement over the boundary, no lasting resolution has been reached.

Police said security presence in the area has now been increased as officials monitor the fragile situation along the Bajura-Humla border.