Dhangadi, August 21

Eleven persons, including three policemen, were injured in a clash between the supporters of agitation to keep far-west intact and Tharuhat cadres in Durgauli, Kailali, today.

The clash ensued after Tharuhat cadres set up a blockade at the Toraiyapur River Bridge in Durgauli so as to obstruct a rally of the supporters of intact far-west. The rally was heading to Tikapur from Dhangadi and Lamki in Kailali.

The situation worsened as Tharuhat cadres pelted intact far-west supporters with stones. According to Kailali district police office spokesperson Bishworaj Khadka, three policemen were injured in the clash. Seriously injured police constable Khadak Khadka was referred to Kohalpur Medical College, while the rest have been receiving treatment at Tikapur Hospital.

Police had to struggle for about two hours and fire four tear gas shells to take the situation under control. Intact Far-west Agitation Mobilisation Committee member Keshav Mishra blamed Tharuhat cadres for the clash.

In the wake of the clash, intact far-west supporters torched a motorbike belonging to Ranijamara Kulariya Irrigation Project in Tikapur, claiming it was used by the Tharuhat cadres in the agitation.

Security has been beefed up in Tikapur to thwart any possible escalation of the violence.