Protests led by the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) turned violent in several Tarai districts on Wednesday. Agitators wielding batons staged several demonstrations and resorted to vandalism.

Tension flared up in Kalaiya, the district headquarters of Bara, after the protesters attempted to vandalise the district party offices of the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML.

Superintendent of Police Lokendra Bahadur Malla said police fired bullets into the air and used a few rounds of teargas canisters to take the situation under control. Tensions escalated after participants of the baton rally vandalised NC’s district office at Motibagh and CPN-UML’s district office at Pannabagh. The protesters also vandalised the statue of BP Koirala at the premises of the NC office.  

There were thousands of SLMM protesters participating in the massive baton rally in Bara. Cadres were also reported to be equipped with sharp weapons.

The protest was organised in line with their pre-scheduled central committee plan to press for addressing the demands of the Morcha. After the rally, SLMM organised a protest assembly calling out cadres to continue the agitation.

SLMM protesters also demonstrated in various districts of eastern Tarai. In Biratnagar, Mahottari, Siraha and Saptari, SLMM supporters also took out baton rallies.

Security personnel and SLMM protesters clashed in Inaruwa, the district headquarters of Sunsari after the agitators tried to obstruct a programme attended by Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar. At least nine protesters were injured in the clash.

Police arrested a Morcha supporter, Chunchun Yadav, after he showed a black flag during the programme.

SLMM cadres target former PM Nepal’s house

SLMM protesters on Wednesday tried to vandalise the residence of CPN-UML senior leader Mahadav Kumar Nepal in Gaur Municipality-3, Rautahat. The baton-wielding SLMM cadres vented their ire at the main gate.

The cadres have been repeatedly attempting to attack the former prime minister’s residence saying that the new constitution has discriminated against Madhesi people and that the ruling parties showed reluctance to address their demands which includes a review of state demarcation.

Three weeks ago, cadres with stones and rods attempted to attack Nepal’s residence but the heavily-deployed security personnel intervened and chased them away. Leader Nepal was elected in the second Constituent Assembly elections from the same constituency.

Morcha protesters, police clash in Janakpur

JANAKPUR: Security personnel and SLMM protesters also clashed in Janakpur on Wednesday. Police resorted to baton charge after the protesters hurled stones towards the Janaki Police Post at the Janaki temple. Protesters have been trying to vandalise the police post for the past three days. Chairman of Sanghiya Samajwadi Forum Nepal Upendra Yadav asserted that the Madhesi demands will be addressed though “street protests”. Addressing an assembly at Ramananda Chowk, Yadav said Madhesi issues will not be addressed by talks as the government was not willing to give anything to the Madhesi people.

 (With inputs from our local correspondents)

Traders chase away SLMM protesters

Bhusan Yadav (Birgunj)

Even though local traders in Birgunj were frequently denied from doing cross-border business by the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, goods have now started flowing in through the Birgunj-Raxaul border point.

Traders were able to chase away protesters who were holding a sit-in at the Miteri Bridge in Birgunj-Raxaul border point on Tuesday night after the Indian police and Raxaul customs office allowed to pass daily essentials.

However, the situation remained tense as protesters, who were in small number, obstructed the businessmen. The latter then resorted to chasing away the Morcha supporters by setting ablaze bamboo sticks which the protesters had placed on the streets to obstruct vehicular movement.

Acting Customs Chief Lokraj Onta confirmed that some of the daily essentials were allowed to enter the country despite border obstructions. “We have been collecting around Rs 2.5 million of revenue within the past few days,” said Onta.

Traders imported goods in carts through Birgunj. Around 50 people entered Nepal with various materials loaded in the carts.

According to eyewitnesses, businessmen had to use forceful means to bring in the loaded carts as SLMM protesters blocked their way. “The few protesters who were staying at the no-man’s-land fled away dreading potential clashes,” said Umesh Prasad Yadav of Inarwa. Traders imported three trucks of various essentials during the night.

Traders in Birgunj and SLMM protesters had also clashed at the Miteri bridge last week on Wednesday. Five carts laden with various essentials had entered Birgunj that day.

Bikram Sah, a protester, said that they are feeling insecured due to the enraged traders. “Security forces were indifferent towards the clash between the traders and protesters at the bridge,” he said. However, Superintendent of Police Rajubabu Shrestha said they are prohibited to go to the no-man’s-land where the sit-in has been organised.

Another protester on the condition of anonimity said Morcha leaders have fled the sit-in. “They visit the sit-in in the evening and take photographs of themselves at the border,” he said.