The Maoists have expressed apologies to a French family and has decided to refund Rs 10,000 that was collected as donation by its cadres.

After the French ambassador in Nepal Michel Jolivet complained to Maoist leaders Prachanda and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai about the ‘donation’ of Rs 10,000 from a French family who had visited Makalu area in April this year where a French climber had gone missing, the Maoist leaders duo apologized for the incident and decided to refund the money through the French embassy in Kathmandu.

Jean-Christophe Lafaille had gone missing since January 26. His wife Katia Lafaille and her two sons had visited Makalu base camp but were asked to pay Rs 10,000 by Maoist cadres.

In their letters to the French family, the Maoist leaders have apologized for the inconvenience caused and stated they would refund the money. They have also said that their party does not wish to harass tourists who, they say, are most welcome.