Kathmandu, August 19

Home Minister Bamdev Gautam today told the meeting of the Legislature-Parliament that one person was killed and four people were injured in Bharadaha, Saptari, yesterday in police firing but claimed that the police had to retaliate, as protesters opened fire on police personnel and hurled petrol bomb and vandalised a police station.

Yesterday, Speaker Subas Chandra Nembang had asked the government to furnish a reply to lawmakers who had accused the government of not acting with restraint against the protesters, who have been up in arms against the demarcation of federal units.

“The protesters were obstructing the highway, using tarpaulin sheets as shelter. When the police tried to clear the obstruction by convincing them, they attacked police. Then the police baton-charged and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. The protesters hurled petrol bomb at the area police office, smashing four window panes and doors. The bullets they fired pierced the police office, leaving three holes. They also tried to snatch a walkie-talkie from a police inspector. Then the police opened fire, injuring five people. Rajib Raut, one of them, died later during the course of treatment,” said Gautam.

After the situation became tense, the administration clamped curfew from 4:00pm to 5:00am and the situation has returned to normal, Gautam said.

In Kapilvastu, the demonstrators vandalised the party office of CPN-UML, burnt a motorcycle of district forest office and smashed a computer and hurled stones at District Treasury Controller Office, said Gautam, adding that a clash ensued between protesters and local businessmen.

Lawmakers, however, alleged that the police incited the protesters and opened fire without showing any restraint. “Police used excessive force against protesters. I urge the Ministry of Home Affairs that this should not be repeated,” said Satya Narayan Mandal of CPN-UML.

Surendra Prasad Chaudhari of Nepali Congress accused the top leaders of securing their vote banks through negotiations on demarcation of boundaries of federal units.

Ganga Chaudhari Satgaunwa of the Tharuhat Tarai Party-Nepal demanded action against police personnel who were suppressing peaceful protests in Tharu dominated areas.