At least 11 police personnel were injured in a clash with locals in ward 11 of Gulariya Municipality in Bardiya after police moved to clear a road blockade staged during a protest against drug trafficking.

Some locals were also injured in the incident.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Pramesh Bista, information officer at the District Police Office, Bardiya, said police fired nine rounds in the air and used four rounds of tear gas to bring the situation under control. Seven individuals have been detained from the site.

“Police resorted to firing and tear gas after they came under stone pelting,” Bista said.

Police Assistant Head Constable Santosh BK sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at the district hospital.

Locals had taken to the streets, alleging that the consumption of drugs smuggled from India had led to two deaths in recent days.

Former ward chair Ram Narayan Keshari of ward 11 said protesters demanded closure of the border point leading to Laukahi market in India and action against those involved in cross-border drug trade.

Locals have also called for a complete shutdown of the border point, citing growing concerns that the area is turning into a hub for drug trafficking.