Local youths have set ablaze a stage being constructed to hold a Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) programme at Itahari on Friday. Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav, Tarai Mahdes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahanta Thakur and Nepal Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato among other leaders of Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha were scheduled to address the programme this afternoon.

The youths vandalised the stage setup near Kheti Khola at Paschim-Line, Itahari, saying that they were against Samyukta Madhes, Ek Pradesh (United Madhes, One State) and Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari should not be a part of State 2.

After the incident, the organisers are in dilemma whether to hold the programme. The police, viewing the situation in Itahari, had said that they could provide security only West of Itahari chok.

Meanwhile, Morcha programme organisers have said that the act of vandalism has stripped them of their Freedom of Expression.