President Bidhya Devi Bandari’s visit to Janakpur sparked protests on Wednesday.

Supporters of the agitating Madhes-based parties staged demonstrations and waved black flags when President Bhandari reached Janakpur on Wednesday to offer prayers at the Janaki Temple on the occasion of Ram Janaki Bibaha Mahotsav.

Protesters carrying black flags had gathered at different places in Janakpur since early morning on Wednesday and burnt tyres to protest the President’s visit.

More than 30 protesters and devotees were injured when security personnel lobbed tear gas canisters and charged batons. Security personnel had managed to evacuate the temple premises just before the arrival of the President.

Protests, however, continued outside the temple when President Bhandari was offering prayers.

The protesters also threw a Molotov cocktail towards the temple after President Bhandari had left the temple. There was a fire in the stage, but security personnel immediately doused it.

The protesters also threw stones at the temple and shouted slogans against Ramtapeshwor Das Baishnab, the Mahantha of Janaki Temple, for inviting the President who they accused of making remarks against Madhes and Madhesi people.

The Bibaha Mahotsav programme was delayed by around three hours.

Bibaha Mahotsav is a ceremony celebrated to mark the marriage of Janaki and Ramchandra.

Devotees complained that they had lost their offertories when they were being driven out of the temple.