A leader of Jhapa Rebellion, a communist movement launched against then Panchayat regime in 1971-72, has been missing for the last two weeks.   Harka Khadka, 70, of Gherabari is missing after he left his home saying he would travel to Kathmandu.

“When he left house two weeks ago Khadka said he would return home after five days. His whereabouts are still unknown,” longtime friend and fellow leader of Jhapa Revolt Narad Wagle said, quoting Khadka’s wife Ambika. The family source said Khadka’s cellphone is switched off. 

Khadka was with the CPN-UML for a long time. He was elected Chairman of Gherabari Village Development Committee (VDC) at the local elections held in 1997. He later defected to the CPN (Maoist Centre). During the first Constituent Assembly held in 2008, he contested elections from Jhapa constituency No 5 as a Maoist candidate. A Nepali Congress candidate defeated him with a narrow margin.

Khadka felt neglected by the party, observers said. Some party members said his personal life is questionable as he has two wives and his financial condition is weak. Ambika is his first wife.

“He seemed quite disappointed in recent times. He was depressed,” said a Maoist Centre leader.

Khadka was involved in communist politics since circa 1967. He was arrested twice, and he served 22 days jail terms. Later, he was actively involved in the Jhapa Revolt and was arrested from Garamani in 1973. Other communist leaders Radha Krishna Mainali, Naresh Kharel, and Narad Wagle among others were also arrested. They were later transferred to Nakhkhu Jail in Kathmandu.

Khadka was also involved in Nakhkhu Jail break in 1976 along with CP Mainali, Rajen Rajbanshi, Jivan Magar, Narad Wagle, Bhishma Dhimal, Dharma Ghimire, and Naresh Kharel. He fled to India and stayed there in exile. He returned home after restoration of democracy in 1990.