RAUTAHAT: More than 200 vehicles have been stopped in various places along the East-West Highway after three protesters were shot dead by police in violent clashes between police personnel and protesters on Saturday.

Consequently, thousands of passengers have been stranded on the mid-way.

Police personnel have stopped the vehicles in Chandranigahapur of Rautahat district citing security reasons. The protesters from different villages had gathered to obstruct the vehicular movement along the Highway.

Clashes between police personnel and agitators had taken place in Bhardaha and Rupani of Saptari district while escorting the vehicles to their destinations on Saturday night.

According to security sources of the district, UDMF cadres have obstructed the road section in dozens of places including Lahan of Siraha, Dhalkebar of Dhanusha and Bardibas of Mahottari. So the vehicles have been stopped for a while doubting the sporadic protest, they said.

“The situation of the Highway in the east is not favourable; so we will let the vehicles run once the situation gets better,” said SP Pradyumna Adhikari, Head of Rautahat District Police Office