PARBAT, Feb. 13 -- Police have arrested two individuals for allegedly setting fire to a community forest in Parbat district during the dry season.

According to the Parbat District Police Office, the suspects Subas Paudel, 26, and Ramesh Paudel, 31, both residents of Kushma Municipality-14, Bagal Thok were apprehended for igniting a fire in the Thuladhunga Community Forest in Arthur Dandakhark on January 12.

Inspector Nir Bahadur Baniya stated that the duo was arrested from their homes following complaints from locals, who reported that the fire had not only destroyed forest resources and wildlife habitats but also posed a threat to nearby settlements.

The suspects have been handed over to the Division Forest Office, Parbat, for further...