The operation of Kunnakot Basic School in Sarkegad Rural Municipality-2 and Devkota Basic School in Sarkegad Rural Municipality-3, Unapani, has been affected after several students suddenly fell ill, leading to a disruption in their studies. Navaraj Phadera, the principal of Kunnakot Basic School, said that since September 10, six students have fallen ill during school hours, which has disrupted their studies. He stated that when the female students started falling ill, they would dance in the guise of Jhankri (Witch Doctors). After a few female students began shaking, crying, and screaming like Jhankri, they experienced body twitching. Later, this issue spread to most of the students.
The school had to be closed on October 1 after the sickness spread. Similarly, Phadera mentioned that Devkota Basic School in Unapani was closed on September 18 for the same reason. According to the school administration, the cause of the students’ illness remains unknown.
Principal Phadera reported that he had urged the health service office in Humla and the rural municipality to arrange a psychiatrist to treat the affected students as soon as possible. This issue has been observed among students in Humla for the second time. Last year, this problem was also seen in the students of Sarkegad Rural Municipality Center Himjyoti Secondary School.
