ANNFSU-affiliated students clash with cops

Kathmandu, January 2

Tension ran high in and around Tri-Chandra College area after students affiliated to the CPN-UML-aligned All Nepal National Free Students’ Union scuffled with riot police today.

Police had intervened after students took out a protest rally and chanted anti-government slogans over the decision to hike fuel prices. The government has raised the price of petrol, diesel and kerosene by one rupee per litre each and that of liquefied petroleum gas by Rs 25 per cylinder with effect from yesterday.

ANNFSU spokesperson RC Lamichhane said nearly a dozen students, including ANNFSU vice-president Mahesh Bartaula, general secretary Yen Mahara, Shekhar Bohara, Dharmendra KC, among others were injured after police fired tear gas cells and charged baton to disperse the demonstrators. He said the injured were receiving treatment in Kathmandu Model Hospital. They are said to be out of danger.

A police official said riot cops used mild force to disperse the agitating students who blocked the traffic and pelted stones at riot cops. Vehicular movement was affected at Keshar Mahal, Durbar Marg, Old Bus Park, New Road and Kamaladi for more than two hours due to the protest.

Metropolitan Traffic Police Division had appealed to motorists to use alternative routes.