Kathmandu, August 23:

At least 12 people were injured when cadres of the Youth Force and Young Communist League clashed in Kathmandu Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market today.

The clash ensued when a porter’s load happened to touch a man’s teacup yesterday.

Members of the Youth Force accused the YCL of attacking and injuring at least six vegetable and fruit sellers inside the market in the morning. “Locals and YF cadres attacked those who were involved in the attack in the morning,” said YF chief Mahesh Basnet.

However, Shiva Kattel, president of the Federation of National Industry and Commerce, said the Youth Force cadres and goons hired by them attacked and injured a large number of people.

He said YCL member Rabin was among those injured. Three others — Chandra, Janak and

Raj Kumar — were also injured in the attack, he said. All four are undergoing treatment at the Maoist-funded Jana Maitri Hospital in Balaju and their condition is said to be critical.

Kattel said Raju Kharel, Krishna Timilsina and Ganesh Upreti were seriously injured in the attack in the afternoon. They have been discharged after treatment.

Police officers at the Metropolitan Police Circle Kalimati refused to give details of the incident.

Kattel, however, claimed that the workers, who had sought help from police at the Police Circle, were also thrashed in front of police officers.

Kattel said the main reason behind the attack was the monopoly of UML-affiliated unions at

the market. Shops belonging to 60 pro-Maoist traders have been destroyed and they have been barred from the market, he said. “We will fight for the cause of the displaced traders. We are discussing the issue with the party headquarters,” he said.