Rukum, November 1

At least 10 persons, including three cops, sustained injuries in a clash between transport entrepreneurs in Musikot of Rukum today morning.

Transport workers clashed owing the dispute between Sisne Himal Mini Bus Entrepreneurs Committee and Rukum Transport Pvt Ltd over introducing new vehicles.

Tilak Reule of Sisne Himal is said to be in critical condition and has been receiving treatment at the district hospital, said Inspector Deepak Magarathi of DPO, Rukum.

According to him, around half a dozen vehicles were vandalized in the incident. The tension erupted after Rukum Transport Pvt Ltd started operating small KIA van. Police had to charge batons to take the situation under control.

Police have arrested workers associated with Sisne Himal for vandalising the vehicles. Transport entrepreneurs in Rukum have announced indefinite closure of transport services protesting the arrests.

Similarly, Salyan-Rukum Transport Entrepreneurs Committee and Salyan-Rapti Zonal Transport Entrepreneurs Committee Dang also have announced indefinite closure of their services. Prakash Bhatta, In-charge of Rapti Transport Committee, said that they would not resume their services until their vehicles were provided proper security. “The clash erupted after did not allow us to operate new vehicles on the Kathmandu-Rukum route,” said chairman of Rukum Transport Pvt Ltd Keshav Rawal.