DAOs’ face Maoists’ protest

Himalayan News Service

ITAHARI/NUWAKOT: Sporadic clashes broke out between the agitating Unified-CPN-Maoist cadres and the police across the nation today. At least 28 people were hurt in Sunsari and Nuwakot districts in course of the Maoists’ day-long picketing at the District Administration Offices. On November 1, the Maoists launched their second phase of the agitation to restore ‘civilian supremacy’ in the country.

Inaruwa, the district headquarters of Sunsari, was the epicentre of a pitched battle. Trouble started when the Maoist cadres, who were picketing at the main gate of the DAO, tried to barge into the office. Nineteen Maoist supporters and five police personnel were injured in

intense brick batting.

The Maoists alleged that the police charged batons on them. Kedar Guragain ‘Ratna’, assistant in-charge, UCPN-M, Sunsari, and Dilip Neupane of APF were seriously injured. The duo is undergoing treatment in Dharan. Maoist lawmakers Kiran Rai and Bishwojit Tharu also sustained minor injuries. The area in and around the DAO remained tense for

better part of the day.

A similar incident was reported from Nuwakot. “Two persons were injured in the melee,” said Govinda Singh Thakuri, an inspector.