Rajbiraj, September 27

The agitating cadres of United Democratic Madhesi Front vandalised more than 50 vehicles for defying the bandh at Bhardaha of Saptari today morning.

At least three passengers were injured when agitators pelted stones at the vehicles. They are undergoing treatment at Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.

Seven agitators were injured in a clash with police and three of them including the Front’s Saptari Coordinator Dinesh Yadav were arrested.

In another incident, agitators vandalised the Fund and Account Control Office today morning. According to account officer Laxman Yadav, a group of around 10/15 agitators invaded the office and vandalised at around 10:30 am. They smashed chairs, tables, window panes and threw important documents on the 44th day of the general strike today.

Commoners, traders and entrepreneurs, among others, have panicked after the decision of the agitating front to intensify the protest at a meeting on September 22 and 23.

Only a few shops are open at the district headquarters Rajbiraj, while the main bazaar areas, transportation, educational institutes and government offices have remained completely shut ever since the protest began.

More than one lakh school children have been deprived of education for one-and-a-half month.

Thousands of daily wage labourers, farmers and construction workers have been hit the worst due to the prolonged closure.