The CPN-UML on Monday decided to put its ongoing “Mechi-Mahakali Campaign” on hold for three days.

The decision was taken late in the evening on Monday after three protesters died in police firing in Maleth of Saptari where the main opposition had organised a mass meeting as part of its “Mechi-Mahakali Campaign” targeting local elections set for May 14. According to Surya Thapa, secretary of the publicity department of the party, a standing committee meeting held at the Rupani-based residence of party leader Suman Pyakurel decided to put the campaign on hold for three days after assessing the situation and considering the request made by the government and.

“Our programme had concluded peacefully at the Gajendra Narayan Singh Industrial Area in Maleth, but when leaders were about to leave the venue, Morcha cadres hurled petrol bombs at security forces injuring them,” said Thapa.

In a press statement issued by party’s secretary and publicity department chief Yogesh Bhattarai, the UML has said that the ongoing campaign will continue from March 10.