Mugu, Oct. 1 -- Residents of Mugu, a remote district in the Karnali Province, are reeling under a shortage of rice ahead of the major Hindu festival of Dashain.

All five food depots of the Nepal Food Corporation (NFC) in the district are out of stock now. Locals are worried as they are unable to get subsidised rice from the depots.

"The depots are all empty, so locals are compelled to buy rice in the local market at a high price," said Padam Bahadur Shahi of Sorukot. "Villagers are worried about how to manage rice for the upcoming Dashain festival."

Shahi further complained that the government authorities are insensitive towards the plight of the poor.

Villagers in Sorukot have to pay Rs 2,300 to buy a 30-kg sack of rice. Per sack of ...