Chitwan, July 25

Fourteen policemen and two demonstrators were injured in a clash between transport workers and police in Bharatpur, Chitwan today.

Agitating transport workers, who were protesting Bharatpur metropolis’ decision banning three-wheelers on major roads of the metropolis, had clashed with police at the Central Bus Terminal Chowk.

As the situation went out of control, police had to fire a few rounds in the air.

While 14 policemen were injured, one demonstrator Mahendra Sunar of Nawalpur, Gaidakot Municipality, was hit on the knee. One more demonstrator was injured in the clash.

All the injured are said to be undergoing treatment at Bharatpur Hospital.

“When the protest turned violent and protesters tried to set the police beat ablaze, we had to use force,” said Chief of District Police Office, Chitwan, SP Sushil Singh Rathaur, adding that police fired 10 rounds in the air and a few tear gas shells in ‘self-defence’. According to police sources, the agitators enforced chakkajam on major roads. The clash erupted when police tried to use force to resume vehicular movement.

While the demonstrators burnt a motorbike and pelted tones at security force, police arrested 14 demonstrators.

The metropolis has banned the operation of tempo, rickshaws, electric-rickshaws and auto rickshaws along the bypass road, East-West Highway and the Narayangadh-Mugling road section with effect from yesterday.

Ever since the decision banning three-wheelers was taken,  transport workers have been protesting.