Police in Taplejung have intensified search for an armed group which goes by the name Kirat Mulbasi Swatantra Limbuwan.

Police say the armed outfit has been involved in extorting money from those involved in the business of cardamom, a major cash crop in the region.

The annual turnover of finely grated cardamom in the region is around a billion rupees, while large cardamom is priced at Rs 100,000 per 40 kg. Cardamom is harvested between July and September, and according to police, various politically active groups switch to extortion when cardamom business reaches the peak.

DSP Shantiraj Koirala says it becomes a major challenge when ‘political groups’ engage in extortion and other illegal activities.

Police in October seized five muskets, two pistols, ammunition and improvised explosive devices, along with identity cards, flags and political documents of Kirat Mulbasi Swatantra Limbuwan. Police had also raided a ‘shelter’ of the armed group in a forest at Ikhabu VDC-4. Deuman Limbu aka Harahang, who is on the run, according to police, is the commander of the group.

A man, who was identified as Samir Limbu of Khejenim VDC-3, was shot dead a few days ago, according to DSP Koirala. He was killed when police returned fire after they were attacked at Santhakra VDC. Kumar Limbu, Harka Aangbohang Limbu and Man Kumari Limbu of the group were arrested with weapons and IEDs.

According to lawmaker Bhupendra Thebe, the armed group was demanding ‘donation’ from people in Likhim, Phurumba, Ikhabu, Sawadin, Khejenim and other six VDCs last year. “Villagers were forced to cough up money after they were threatened by Kirat Mulbasi Swatantra Limbuwan,” said Thebe.

“Deuman Limbu’s group has been terrorising people for quite some time,” said DSP Koirala, adding that police teams have been mobilised to destroy their shelters. “We will soon nab them,” vowed police.