National
SLMM obstructs minister’s programme in Rautahat
Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) supporters obstructed a programme of Minister of State for Health Mohammad Mustak Alam (Rajababu) at the District Hospital in Gaur, the district headquarters, on Thursday.Shiva Puri
Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) supporters obstructed a programme of Minister of State for Health Mohammad Mustak Alam (Rajababu) at the District Hospital in Gaur, the district headquarters, on Thursday.
A clash ensued between security forces and the SLMM supporters on the hospital premises after the enraged Madhesi Morcha activists vandalised the stage prepared for the programme. Minister Alam was scheduled to inspect the hospital and address medical staff.
Armed Police Force personnel resorted to baton charge to bring the situation under control. All hospital services except emergency service have come to a halt in protest of the police interference.
Madhesi Morcha leader Anil Singh vowed not to let the minister attend any
programme in the district, saying that the SLMM has not ended its protest programmes.
“The APF men resorted to baton charge on a peaceful protest,” said Yadav, adding that some of the local SLMM leaders were injured in the incident.
Deputy Superintendent of APF Rajesh Ghimire, however, refuted claims that they manhandled health workers in the hospital.
Doctor Prawin Jha added that the APF men misbehaved and manhandled them
and the patients had been affected after the hospital closed services.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajendra Pokharel said the security personnel had used “light force” to take situation under control.
Kalaiya tense in bid to foil NC meet
Tension flared in Bara district headquarters Kalaiya after SLMM cadres attempted to disrupt a Nepali Congress gathering on Thursday.
NC members were holding discussions on resuming the deferred general convention at ‘Kalaiya Inn Hotel’ when a huge mass of the SLMM cadres attacked them, local sources said. Hundreds of SLMM supporters picketed the Hotel and began pelting stones.
Police personnel reached the scene immediately and lobbed teargas canisters to take the situation under control. A police constable, Upanesh Yadav, and some SLMM activists were also injured in the incident.