Several residents of Sarawal, Nawalparasi district, have fled to the district headquarters Parasi Bazaar and other parts of India with the so-called anti-Maoists retaliation groups forcing the youths to join their campaign.

Reports quoting displaced villagers said the retaliation groups have mounted their violence against villagers due to which more than 50 youths of Sarawal have moved to India. “The youths fled the village as they were asked to join the armed anti-Maoist retaliation activities,” one local said.

The vigilante groups have asked the locals to either join their movement or pay donation, a resident of Rampura said. “They brand anybody who refuses to cough up donation as Maoist and mete out punishment.”

Six locals of Sarawal VDC- 8 and 9 were beaten severely by the retaliation groups on Friday, reports added.

In mid-April, the rebels had executed 10 villagers for being involved in resistance activities. Vigilante violence has increased since, locals said.