The CPN-UML has demanded immediate action after supporters gathered to welcome Rastriya Swatantra Party chair Rabi Lamichhane burned a UML flag in Tulsipur on Thursday evening.

Lamichhane was travelling from Surkhet to Ghorahi to address an election rally organised by the Rastriya Swatantra Party on Friday. Supporters waiting in Tulsipur chanted slogans against UML chair and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and set fire to a UML flag bearing the party’s election symbol.

UML Dang district chair Shiva Kumar Acharya said in a statement on Friday that those involved must be arrested and prosecuted without delay.

Santosh Oli, Lumbini Province coordinator of the UML-affiliated Youth Association Nepal, warned of protests if authorities fail to act. Leaders of other political parties also condemned the incident, calling it objectionable in a multiparty democratic system.

The Youth Association staged a protest in Ghorahi on Friday, marching through the market area and submitting a memorandum to the District Administration Office. They have given authorities 24 hours to arrest those responsible.

Rastriya Swatantra Party Dang chair Binaya Ghimire said the incident was carried out by individuals who were not genuine party supporters and had joined the gathering with the intention of tarnishing the party’s image.