Maoists have extorted money from businesspersons and ordinary people in various parts of the country, the army has said.

A statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) said Tuesday that the Maoists collected Rs. 1500 to 2500 from each household in various VDCs in Khotang district on Sunday.

On the same day, the rebels forced local businessmen of Phidim in Paanchthar and the local residents of Rangsi VDC in mid-western Rolapa district to pay donations to their party. They took food grains from the Rangsi locals.

Simiarly, the rebels have also intensified their extortion campaign in Bhedetar area of eastern Dhankuata district and parts of the far-western district of Kanchanpur, according to the DPR statement.

Meanwhile, the rebels have forcefully recruited some 400 youths in far-western Darchula district, saying that they may have to go to fight if the [proposed] peace talks fail, the DPR statement said.