Kathmandu, November 22

Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal condemned the police firing in Bhardaha and Rupani of Saptari district last night that killed two protesters and injured 15.

Issuing a press release today, FSF-N said police firing in Saptari indicated that the government was resorting to brutal methods of repression instead of seeking negotiated settlement of issues raised by the agitating forces.

The party also accused the government of thwarting dialogue and pushing the country towards yet another crisis.

FSF-N condemned what it called the government’s double game of giving the impression to the public that it is serious about resolving the problems through dialogue and resorting to repressive measures against protesters at the same time.

“FSF-N is committed to settle issues through dialogue and if the government is also committed to settle the issues through talks, it should immediately stop police brutality against peaceful protesters,” the party said in its release.

FSF-N said the police fired at agitators who were protesting peacefully on the East-West Highway as per the decision of the United Democratic Madhesi Front taken on November 19. Nageshwar Yadav of Jamuni-9, Rupani and Birendra Kumar Ram, 18, were killed in police firing at midnight.

FSF-N said the condition of four injured protesters, including Raghu Safi, who took a bullet in the eye, was very critical. According to FSF-N 15 protesters — Laxman Ram, Shriyar Yadav, Shravan Jha, Shyam Mandal, Dharmendra Sah, Dani Mandal, Lal Jha, Rajhu Rajak and Surendra Negiya were injured in police firing.

FSF-N said police mistreated the staff of Koshi Zonal Hospital because they had treated the injured protesters.