Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) protesters hurled stones at security personnel from Indian side of the Nepal-India border at Sunauli in Rupandehi on Wednesday.

Dozens of security personnel were injured in sporadic clashes while dispersing protesters from border area, where they have been organising sit-ins for the past couple of weeks. The agitating protesters also hurled stones at Area Police Office in Belahiya. “There were around 200 protesters who attacked security personnel in a pre-planned way,” said a Nepali security official deployed at the border point. “Security personnel moved back with a hope that the Indian officials will bring the situation under control in their side. Nepali security force was also unable to lob teargas canisters or use force due to the presence of Indian security force at the border,” he said.

Protesters also took Krishna Bahadur Bista of Rupandehi, who was entering Nepal from the border, under control, brutally assaulted him and left him near no man’s land. Locals said Indian security personnel did not react while Bista was beaten by the protestors in the Indian side of the border. Bista was later taken to the Bhairahawa0-based Universal Teaching Hospital. Doctors said three of his fingers were cut off with a sharp weapon. Bista used to eke out a living working as a driver.

Following the incident, an agitating group from Nepal entered Bhairahawa customs area and manhandled two Indian drivers. They also vandalised police van when Nepali security personnel were rescuing the Indian drivers. Superintendent of Police Buddhiraj Gurung of Rupandehi said Nepali security officials brought the situation under control.

Meanwhile, security officials in the district have drawn attention of the Indian authorities towards the matter and said the Indian border security force did nothing to prevent the violence. Lumbini Zonal Police chief Ganesh KC told the Post that they condemned the inaction of the Indian security officials. “Following talks, Indian security officials have expressed commitment that they will allow protesters to stage protests in the border area from Thursday onwards,” he said.

Meanwhile, Morcha leaders have decided that they will not allow even motorcycles to ply the roads during banda starting Thursday. Morcha leader Jangilal Raya said motorcycles have been used to ferry goods from Indian border points. He said they decided to impose ban on motorcycles as the two-wheelers were misused during their protests.

In Jitpur area too, Morcha supporters clashed with security personnel as they tried to shut the market area. At least six people, including security personnel, were injured in the clash. Police lobbed half a dozen teargas canisters to bring the situation under control. Meanwhile, some youths in Nijgadh protested against the Indian blockade.

(With inputs from our local correspondents)