The supporters of agitating Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) clashed with security forces at Malaya Road and Jatuwa in Biratnagar, Morang, on Tuesday.

Clashes erupted at both places after security personnel tried to remove the protesters staging sit-ins on the road. The protesters fought back with stones and bricks when police tried to clear the areas. They also allegedly hurled Molotov cocktails at police. At Jatuwa, the protesters restricted all vehicular movement, including motorcycles and rickshaws. They also vandalised two electric rickshaws and one motorcycle for defying the prohibition.

The SLMM supporters had smashed bottles and spilled engine oil on the road to restrict vehicular movement. In some places they had brought down the electric poles to create obstructions.

In Saptari district, the local business community has appealed the SLMM leaders to lift the ongoing banda. Anantalal Sah, the general secretary of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries, said they have urged the Madhes leaders to withdraw the banda which has paralysed the business activities and normal life of Saptari for the past 74 days.

In Sunsari district, a man suffered burn injuries when the SLMM cadres allegedly set fire to a gallon containing petrol which the victim had purchased in a nearby Indian town. Police said the victim, 22-year-old Rambilash Yadav, was returning home from India in his motorcycle when the SLMM men stopped him at Haripur VDC, confiscated the petrol gallon and set it on fire. Yadav suffered burn injuries in the incident.

Meanwhile, the Indian cargo truck drivers stranded at Birgunj due to the ongoing border blockade continued their sit-in outside the office of Consulate General of India, demanding that they should be allowed to return home.