The Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) on Monday condemned police firing in Saptari district, which resulted in deaths and injuries. Morcha leaders have also called on all sides to exercise restraint.

A meeting of the Morcha in the Capital late on Monday also decided to call general strikes in the Madhes region on Tuesday and Wednesday to protest the Saptari incident.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Morcha leaders blamed UML and local administration for Monday’s accident. The Morcha has claimed that four protesters died in the incident.

Stating that police firing was “completely unnecessary”, the Morcha has accused the local administration of using excessive force on protesters. “We urge all our friends, especially those from the UML, to understand the seriousness of the situation and act sensibly to avoid further tension. We will exercise restraint to avoid tension as violence will not benefit any side,” Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav told the Post. “We are ready to work together with the UML leadership to ease tension if it is ready to act responsibly.”