Nepal: 6 Injured As Anti-Government Protesters Clash With Police In Kathmandu

According to media reports, clashes erupted after NLM cadres led by Madhesh-based-leader and former Nepal Deputy PM Rajendra Mahato, organised a march in Kathmandu, demanding recognition of states on the basis of ethnicity.

Kathmandu, Nepal: At least six people sustained injuries as anti-government protesters clashed with the police in Nepal capital Kathmandu Saturday. According to the Kathmandu police, cadres of Rajendra Mahato-led National Liberation Movement (NLM) tried to stage a protest demonstration in Bhadrakali area in front of Singhdarbar Secretariat but were halted by security personnel from entering the restricted area.

The protesters clashed with the police personnel deployed at the spot who baton charged the agitators to bring the situation under control, the police said, adding that two policemen and four cadres of NLM were injured in the clashes.

According to media reports, clashes erupted after NLM cadres led by Madhesh-based-leader Rajendra Mahato, organised a march in Kathmandu, demanding recognition of states on the basis of ethnicity.

The protesters pushed down the barricade set by the police to prevent them from entering the restricted area and later pelted stones at the security personnel, resulting in further escalating the situation.

“During the anti-government demonstration, 12 cadres of NLM were also arrested from the incident site. The police had to use force as the demonstrators tried to enter the restricted area”, Nepal Police spokesperson Nabaraj Adhikari said.

Adhikari told news agency PTI that demonstrators and two police officers sustained injuries in the incident, adding that one of the injured policemen is in critical condition and is being treated at a neuro hospital in Kathmandu.

Police also used a water cannon to disperse the demonstrators, who had earlier announced to hold the mass gathering at an open ground previously used for protests. But the mass turned its direction towards the administrative capital, which has been declared a restricted area by local authorities since last year.

Rajendra Mahato,  a former Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, led the protest, remained unhurt and was escorted from the site as soon as the clash started.

A senior Madhesh-based leader, Mahato quit the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP) on February 26 and announced a new campaign, “Rastriya Mukti Kranti” (National Liberation Movement).

(With inputs from agencies)