ACHHAM, JAN 16 - While most parts of the country were in a frenzy celebrating the festival of Maghe Sankranti today, the people of Achham had no wish to celebrate this festival until peace returns to the region. The festival rekindles harsh memories of the day on 14 January 2000, when the tragic circumstances of a major battle between the Maoists and the security forces led to the death of seven innocent villagers.
The gun battle that took place between the Maoists and the security forces that ill-fated night at Dhaku, 40 kilometres east of Mangalsen, still haunts most residents here. Many are still in shock and even after three years, are in no mood to celebrate the festival. The people here say they wish to mark this year's Maghe Sankranti with prayers for the peace of the souls of those who died in the Mangalsen incident.
None of the families want to make merry on the occasion, nobody cooked any special delicacies such as, selroti, sesame laddo, Chakhoo and ghee. In such a sombre ambience, there was no question of organising the popular ‘Deuda’ dance and music.Posted on: 2004-01-17 03:58

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