SC stays EC decision

KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday issued an interim order to the Election Commission (EC) not to implement its March 13 recognition of the faction led by Shyam Sundar Gupta as Nepal Sadbhavana Party. The apex court also noted that it could create an irreparable loss to the party faction led by Sarita Giri. A division bench of Justices Ram Prasad Shrestha and Prakash Sitaula issued the order staying the EC’s judgement. The apex court has also asked the EC to wait for its final verdict on the case. CA member Giri had moved the SC challenging the EC’s decision.

Police, YCL clash

KATHMANDU: At least two police personnel along with two demonstrators were hurt in a brief clash between YCL cadres and riot police at Durbarmarg today. YCL cadres were protesting President Ram Baran Yadav’s decision to retain CoASRookmangud Katawal. According to Metropolitan Police Sector, the clash ensued after the police made an attempt to control the agitators who were trying to vandalise the statue of Late King Mahendra at the Durbarmarg. The demonstrators also vandalised a state-owned jeep shattering its windscreen. We were compelled to use force to control the rioting mob and had to use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators, the police said. The demonstrators had also pelted stones and bricks at the police. Meanwhile, YCL in-charge of Kathmandu Sagar claimed that the police had opened fire when they were trying to hoist their party flag atop the statue.