Shamans to organise a camp in Nawalpur

By Bom Lal Giri,Nawalpur, July 19: The law does not recognise dhami, jhakri (shamans), tantra-mantra, or any form of magic. No one is legally allowed to conduct such activities.

However, in Nawalpur, a 10-day open shamans’ camp is scheduled to take place under the pretext of treating patients. 

Prakash Bhujel, Central President of the Nepal Democratic Jhakri Association, stated that the camp would be held in Kawasoti-3, Nawalpur, for 10 days to provide treatments to patients.

Bhujel claimed that the Association received permission to organise the programme from the District Administration Office, District Police Office, and Kawasoti Municipality Ward Nos. 2 and 3.

The District Administration Office stated that while they had initially granted permission to organise the event and ensure peace and security since the Association is a legally registered organisation, the permission has now been revoked.

“The permission was granted earlier but later withdrawn, stating that such activities should not be conducted openly,” said Chief District Officer Bhabishwar Pandey. “If they go ahead with the programme on their own, they must ensure peace and security.”

The Chief of the District Police Office, Superintendent of Police Yadav Dhakal, also emphasised that granting permission for the programme and ensuring peace and security were two separate matters.

Bhujel claimed that he had obtained permission from administration to run the 10-day camp in Nawalpur, stating that he has been practicing mantra and tantra-based treatments in various places across the country for a long time and that the law does not explicitly prohibit such practices. He asserted that these programmes are being organised at the request of locals.

During the camp, Bhujel claims to treat various ailments, including anxiety, restlessness, mental instability, memory loss, hand and foot ailing, stomachaches, headaches, and nerve-related problems.