War Tourism in Rolpa:Gossip only

Rolpa: Rolpa is the hot bed (origin place) for a decade long armed struggle in Nepal. Sporadic incidents related to crossfire happened at several places during the decade long struggle.

Thousands and hundreds of Nepalese lost their lives in this conflict. However, these conflict areas have not been developed so far.

These places still continue to lag behind in development. The very concept of war tourism was developed at the district level, yet nothing has been done in this connection, barring few works done by the locals.

Maoist party had started the decade long insurgency after attacking the Hollery based police camp. The Thabang village of Rolpa is the main origin and hot bed of Maoist conflict in Nepal and Gam is considered to be the main place where Maoist militants captured the army barrack in Gam.

Jaljala is the place which was used by the insurgents as their training camps. These war memorial places could be used for war tourism destinations. However, not much efforts in this area have been put from the concerned agencies and people in this region.

The other historical war fronts such as Bhawang, Gumchal, Harjang where Maoist militants killed several hundred people could be war tourism destinations in the present context. The areas of Jelbang, Tebang also are awaiting the domestic tourists to see the war torn places.

The places where Maoist battalions were stationed at Dahaban, Udha and Tila could also be war tourism destinations for those who would be interested to visit these areas to seek the information about how the wars were fought here.

One of the positive indications is that the Lumbini province has started making a war museum at Tila which could be another attraction for the tourists.

According to Rolpa district development committee  Karma Lal Pariyar, these war areas should be protected and preserved as war memorial areas for future. Despite negligible efforts being put into this kind of work, not much attention has been paid towards protecting the conflict areas.

Thabang is considered to be the main ground or base of Maoist war in Nepal as this village was much highlighted at national and international arena during the conflict time. Thabang rural municipality chairman Bir Bahadur Gharty says works have started to integrate Thabang village and Jaljala hill at this moment.

Nepal government has listed Thabang Jaljala as one of the 100 destinations listed for tourist destinations. Gharty also asserts that the preservation of Thabang village has not been pushed forward as per the investment of this historic village.

Scores of houses of Thabang were razed to the ground during conflict between security forces and Maoists militants here. So, it is significant from war point of view to make it war memorial spot for visitors.

According to Sunchahari rural municipality chairman As Bahadur Pun the development of war tourism in  Rolpa would be significant work. The human rights activist Khem Bahadur Buda also says that research works would have been supported, if war tourism could be protected and promoted.

There is lack of master plan for war tourism according to district tourism focal person Dipendra Pun. Though government has recognized the Gurrila trek which has Thabang on its trekking route had planned to make homestay in Madichor, Thulogain, Jankot and Kotgaun to promote and attract tourists.

There are other historical areas which were significant during the reign of Biesi and Chaubise rule in Nepal which could also be destination for tourism in Rolpa.