Janakpurdham, December 28

As many as 34 persons, including 14 police personnel and 20 demonstrators of the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front sustained injuries in a clash in Janakpurdham, Dhanusha, today.

“The clash ensued after UDMF cadres started hurling stones at Janaki Police Post at Janaki Chowk at around 11:45am,” said District Police Office Dhanusha.

The security force fired tear gas shells after demonstrators hurled stones at them for a few hours. The situation suddenly turned unruly after the demonstrators hurled a petrol bomb at the security force.

The demonstrators pelted stones at the police picketing them from the east and the west, as there were walls in the north and south of the chowk.

Among the injured cops, police constable Rajan Danuwar has received injuries on his eyes. The condition of Ram Chandra Mukhiya of Narahiya, Dhanusha is said to be critical.

He has sustained serious head injuries and is receiving treatment at Janakpur Zonal Hospital, whereas others who were injured have returned home after minor treatment at the health facility.

Chief District Officer Kali Prasad Parajuli said the demonstrators hurled as many as 34 petrol bombs at security personnel.

Police fired 24 rounds of tear gas shells. “Of the injured cops, five are in critical condition with head injuries,” said CDO Parajuli.

According to him, all the eight demonstrators who were arrested during their protest yesterday were released today. “No demonstrator is in police detention now,” he clarified.

Madhesi Front’s Dhanusha Coordinator Shesh Narayan Yadav accused security personnel of using excessive force. He claimed that police had attacked people staying in private houses, besides the agitators at Janakichowk.

The cadres of the front were staging demonstration protesting police attack against Sadbhawana Party Chair Rajendra Mahato on Saturday.

Sadbhawana Party Dhanusha Chairperson Sanjay Singh accused the police of suppressing them with excessive force.

Following the tension around Janaki temple throughout the day, District Administration Office appealed to everyone to help normalise the situation by holding an all-party meeting.

The meeting urged the agitating front to continue their protest peacefully. District chiefs of security agencies, leaders and representatives of youth clubs and journalists were present at the meeting.