Maoists and leaders of Joint Revolutionary Council at Thawang village of Rolpa have declared an “autonomous region of Magarat” on Friday, according to published reports.

Around 75,000 Magars of the district attended the function, the reports quoted a Maoist statement, as saying.

“Thawang village is the seat of the Singha Magarat autonomous province and that the province’s parliament will soon be named,” the statement said.

According to the statement, a 27-member people’s government led by Santosh Budha Magar has been formed in the region. A total of 130 “peoples’ representatives” elected the government, the statement said.

In 2038 BS, this region had sent back empty ballot boxes during the Panchayat polls, the statement added. nepalnews.com mr Jan 10