The CPN-UML has demanded immediate legal action after its party flag bearing the election symbol was burned in Tulsipur, Dang, on Thursday evening.

The incident occurred as supporters had gathered to welcome Rabi Lamichhane, chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, who was travelling from Surkhet to Ghorahi to address an election rally scheduled for Friday.

Videos circulating on social media show a group chanting slogans against UML chair and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli before setting fire to the flag.

In a statement, the UML said the incident had drawn the party’s serious attention.

The statement said those who set fire to the flag bearing the election symbol of UML were ‘the same elements who burn the country,' and described the act as anarchy, recklessness and a criminal offence.

The UML said burning a rival party’s election symbol during the campaign period amounts to a serious violation of the election code of conduct. The party also questioned whether the government has been able to ensure a free, fair and fear-free environment for voters. The party added that such actions by Rastriya Swatantra Party supporters had undermined the party’s faith and were an attack on the state, people, democracy and the constitution.

Earlier on Friday, UML Dang district chair Shiva Kumar Acharya said the party’s serious attention had been drawn to the incident. He described the act as an attack on the faith of millions of supporters and a criminal act against democratic values and the Constitution.

Santosh Oli, Lumbini Province coordinator of the UML-affiliated Youth Association Nepal, warned that the party would launch protests if authorities failed to arrest those involved. The Youth Association staged a demonstration in Ghorahi on Friday, marched through the market area and submitted a memorandum to the District Administration Office, giving authorities 24 hours to take action.

Leaders of other political parties in Dang condemned the incident, calling it unacceptable in a multiparty democratic system.