Protesters, defying prohibition order in riot zones, vandalised dozens of vehicles at Bhardaha along the East-West Highway in Saptari on Sunday. Police said 36 passengers sustained injuries in the incident. According to Superintendent of Police Shishir Karmacharya, Padam Bahadur Das, Rajkumar Lokchan and Gautam Yadav were seriously injured in the vandalism. The critically injured were taken to Biratnagar for treatment.

Protesters defied the prohibitory orders imposed by the local administration along the 45 kilometre stretch of the highway from the Koshi river to Balan stream. Security personnel said the vandals infiltrated with the crowd of Bolbam pilgrims at Koshi Barrage and hurled stones at the vehicles. The smashed windscreen and glass have been scattered on the road, hindering the movement of motorcycles and bicycles.

Police detained three people for their alleged involvement in the vandalism. Amar Thakur of Kanchanpur, Arbinda Kumar Das of Madhawapur and Shivanandan Chaudhary of Hariharpur were arrested for investigation, police said.

Morcha supporters’ sit-ins continue

(Biratnagar/Birgunj) The agitating Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) and some other disgruntled groups continued their protests at Nepal-India border points in several district on Sunday as well.

Protesters staged sit-in at Jogbani border point in Morang. Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav led the protest programme. When security personnel intervened into the programme being held at no man’s land, protesters fled to Jagbani. Three demonstrators and a policeman were reportedly injured in the clash.

Morang Chief District Officer Ganesh Raj Karki said protesters hurled stones at police from Indian territory. Karki said he talked to Indian authority to prevent protesters from throwing stones from the Indian side.

Similarly, SLMM activists and Kochila Youth Association supporters also staged protest to disrupt Kakadvitta border in Jhapa. Police detained two protesters while the others crossed the border. In Parsa, Madhes-based parties continued their protest in Birgunj border point.

Protesters staged sit-in at the Miteri bridge by setting up tent. Security personnel said the protesters have occupied no-man’s-land.

Likewise, SLMM activists staged similar protests at various border points in Bara and Rautahat districts, bringing cross-border movement to a grinding halt.