Bajura, December 21

Eleven locals were injured in a clash that erupted while celebrating the Bhuwa festival in Manakot of Gaumul Rural Municipality in Bajura, last night.

According to District Health Office, Bajura, the condition of four of the injured is serious and they have been referred to a Nepalgunj-based health facility, while the others are receiving treatment at the district hospital.

Public Health Officer Ramesh Kunwar said the injured have suffered deep cuts on the hands head, among other body parts.

According to Nar Bahadur Rokaya, who was injured in the clash, the clash ensued after two persons fired a musket three times and others from their group started indiscriminately attacking the crowd.

Locals said cadres of Nepali Congress and CPN-UML were involved in the fight over some political issues and they used sharp weapons, stones and sticks.

Police said the victims had filed a case against 17 locals including Bhupal Rokaya, Dhirendra Rokaya, Surat Rokaya, Gorakh Rokaya, Sagar Rokaya, Ghamanda Rokaya and Dhana Giri Rokaya.  Police said the reason behind the clash is yet to be ascertained.

Further investigation into the incident is under way, according to DSP Hari Bahadur Oli of District Police Office, Bajura.