Itahari remained tense on Friday after local youths vandalised the stage prepared for a programme of the agitating Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM).

The locals burnt tyres and demonstrated on the streets to foil the protest rally by the Madhesi Morcha. Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav, Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party chief Mahantha Thakur and Nepal Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato were scheduled to address the rally. The top leaders did not show up after the disruption.

The East-West Highway was obstructed and shops in the eastern sub-metropolis were shut. Enraged students, who are against the Morcha’s demand for one Madhes province, torched the stage set up near Kheti Khola at Itahari-1.

The SLMM, however, went ahead with the programme by constructing another stage in the same area. Addressing the event, Limbuwan Party Nepal Chair Kumar Lingden reminded the people of Nepal’s tradition of welcoming guests. “If we welcome Upendra Yadav in Itahari, we can be also welcomed in Janakpur,” he said, adding that they were saddened by the violent reaction.

Three persons were manhandled for participation in the programme. However, police rescued them. SSFN cadres, who had reached Itahari from Dharan, were chased away by the protesting youths. A large number of security personnel were deployed in the area.

(With inputs from our local correspondents)