According to the agreement, the eastern Rukum lies in state no. 5 while western Rukum lies in state no. 6. The protestors demanded that the entire Rukum district should be inducted into state no. 5.

The Rukumeli vented their ire saying that the split would hamper the integrity, social harmony and utilisation of natural resources of Rukum.

Civil society leader Ganesh Chintan said the split would have a long term effect on the sentiments, fate and future of Rukumelis. Also, the decision would obstruct the smooth functioning of political and administrative activities, he added.

Three districts—Nawalparasi, Baglung and Rukum—have been split in the new federal model.

Also read: Lawmakers unite against splitting Baglung district