Just as the law enforcement agencies are trying to curb anti-election activities launched by the Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal and other unidentified groups/ individuals, clashes between parties participating in the polls have added to security challenge.

Scuffles between Nepali Congress and left alliance members were reported on Thursday and Friday in various districts where the first phase of polls will be held on Sunday.

Blaming each other for violating election code of conduct during the silent period, which started on Thursday midnight, members of the two parties resorted to clashes.

Tension ran high in Kalikasthan village of Nuwakot on Thursday night after a clash between the cadres of left alliance of the CPN-UML and the Maoist Centre and the NC-led “democratic alliance”. Bajura also witnessed a scuffle between the cadres of the NC and the left alliance. According to a statement issued by the NC, half a dozen of its cadres were seriously injured and three are missing. The clash took place in Budhi Ganga Municipality-1 of the district.

Similarly, Sindhupalchok was tense on Friday afternoon after left alliance cadres accused Devyani Rana, daughter of Pashupati Shumsher Rana, a candidate of the NC-led “democratic alliance”, of violating the poll code of conduct.

In Dhuwakot Rural Municipality of Dhading, Santosh Bastakoti of the NC was attacked by a group of left alliance leaders, including the ward chairman, with a khukuri. Bastakoti has been brought to Kathmandu for treatment.

“We have taken these incidents seriously and instructed security agencies to control them,” said Election Commission Spokesperson Navaraj Dhakal, urging all concerned to maintain restraint.

Home Ministry officials admitted that the law enforcement agencies are facing dual challenge.

A Home Ministry official, who requested anonymity, said possible clashes between the left alliance and the “democratic alliance” were predicted in some districts.

The Home Ministry has identified Nuwakot, Sindhupalchok, Okha-ldhunga, Dhading, Bhojpur and Dolakha as sensitive districts with the possibility of clashes between parties.

The Nepal Army has started aerial patrols in those districts which have been identified as sensitive.