Locals from Sankhu in the Capital protested against the government’s decision to merge Shankharapur municipality with neighbouring Kageshwor-Manohara municipality on Wednesday.

The locals obstructed vehicular movement in Sankhu area and shut down businesses and shops demanding separate Shankharapur municipality citing its historical significance.

Earlier, they had picketed and padlocked the ward office and revenue office among other government offices to put pressure on the authorities to revoke their decision.

The police have arrested over a dozen banda enforcers.

Local Nagarik Samaj Dabab Samuha member Navaraj Shrestha informed that the police have arrested 15 people during the protest.