In a repeated instance, some unidentified persons attempted to attack CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Barshaman Pun in Duikholi Rural Muncipality-3 on Sunday. Former finance minister Pun is the left alliance’s candidate for federal parliamentary election in Rolpa.

The assailants fired nine shots targeting the campaign team in a forest near the Kebari stream, police said. Security personnel deployed for Pun’s security fired five rounds in retaliation. No one was hurt in the incident. Pun safely reached Bagmara Bazaar of Iribang, where an election rally was scheduled for Sunday.

On Saturday, Pun’s vehicle was ambushed at Bhitabang in Madi Rural Municipality-1 in the district. All the occupants had escaped the attack unhurt.

Police Inspector Sudarshan Panthi said the area has been cordoned off for an investigation. According to him, the assailants had opened fire with an objective of disrupting the poll campaign.

Some miscreants also hurled stones at Pun’s team at various places in the district. Chief District Officer Dijan Bhattarai said security personnel had foiled their attempts.

In a similar incident on Friday, two improvised explosive devices were hurled targeting the vehicle of Maoist Centre leader Janardan Sharma in Rukum.