Local leaders of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha are campaigning in Saptari to build a force to obstruct the CPN-UML’s Mechi-Mahakali campaign.

The SLMM has planned to obstruct a mass meeting of the UML, which will be addressed by party Chairman KP Sharma Oli on Monday, in Rajbiraj at any cost. Morcha is preparing to enforce a vehicular strike and organise a baton rally in the district on the day.

Cadres of the Madhes-based parties are also going to organise a programme in Rajbiraj, the district headquarters of Saptari, on the same day. They are going door to door, inviting villagers to their programme. Gajendra Mandal, a local leader of the SLMM, said they plan to gather a huge number of people for the demonstration.

The SLMM demonstrated against the UML with black flags in Rajbiraj on Saturday. The cadres also warned UML Chairman Oli not to enter Rajbiraj.

After the Morcha’s threat, UML leaders in the district feel insecure. Police have heightened security of the UML office and the houses of party leaders. Sumanraj Pyakurel, a central member of the party, said they are receiving threats of attack.

UML, Morcha to rally at the same venue

RAUTAHAT: The CPN-UML and the SLMM are going to organise their programmes at the same venue in Rautahat on March 9.

According to UML and Morcha leaders, they are going to hold their rallies on the premises of Shreeram Sugar and Chemical Industries Pvt Ltd in Garuda Municipality.

Kamal Yadav, the UML district chairman, accused the Morcha of planning to organise its programme at the same venue to restrict the UML in reaching out to the Madhesi people.

Ramniwas Yadav, district coordinator of the SLMM, said they have announced a one-day Madhes banda, as scheduled earlier, to “expose” the policies of the second largest party.

Chief District Officer Uddhav Bahadur Thapa said he was not informed that the two programmes would be held at the same venue. “The Home Ministry has informed us that the UML is going to organise its programme as per its schedule of the Mechi-Mahakali campaign,” said Thapa.

On March 21, 2007, 37 people were killed and more than 100 injured as cadres of the erstwhile Madhesi Janadhikar Forum clashed with the Maoists during their rally at the Rice Mill area.