Dolalghat- The Maoists in their combat dress intimidate everyone along the highway, and collect donations from each passing vehicle, public or private. Drivers have to pay each time they enter the highway. A group of Maoists belonging to the \'Tamang Autonomous Republic Region' of Ramechhap and Kabhre have been mobilised under the leadership of sub-commander \'LB' at Dolalghat bajar.

Every day, they collect over Rs 10,000 from buses, microbuses, lorries, vans, and tourist coaches in Sindupalchok, Kabhre, Dolakha, and Ramechhap districts. Besides privately-owned vehicles, even drivers of government cars have been terrorised by this extortion drive. The Maoists tax government vehicles more than others. They are also demanding a minimum \'entry tax' of Rs 500 from each tourist who comes on to the Arniko highway from Tibet. Around 3,000 tourists enter Nepal from Tibet [every month].

Similarly, hundreds of Nepali tourists visit Tatopani. In addition to taxes, the Maoists are now demanding tv sets, Chinese blankets, cameraa, mobile phones, and other expensive equipment from local traders. The demands are getting more extravagant, and the of Maoist workers making such expensive demands is also on the rise along this main highway.