Anti-Maoist strike hits Palpa, Gulmi

Tansen, December 30:

To protest the CPN-Maoist affiliated students’ attack on Nepali Congress leaders and activists on Monday, Palpa unit of NC today organised a huge torch rally in Tansen, the district headquarters of Palpa.

The rally started from Bishal Bazaar BP Chowk of Tansen and went to different thoroughfares of the city, converging into a mass gathering at Andolan Chowk.

CA member from Syangja constituency-3 Mohan Prasad Pandey, speaking at the assembly, urged the Maoists to abandon the dual character of attacking on other party cadres. Pandey sought to disband the quasi-military structure and return seized property to the owners immediately.

NC Palpa vice-chairman Prem Nath Basyal, Trivuwan Multiple Campus FSU president Motilal Bhandary and injured businessman Yadav Karki blamed the Maoists of trying to impose totalitarianism.

Meanwhile, the seriously injured Haribol Bhattarai, unit president of Nepal Student Union Trivuwan Multiple Campus, has been taken to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu for treatment, after his condition worsened in Lumbini Medical College, the NC Palpa stated.

Tansen bazaar remained shut to protest the Maoist students’ attack on NC leaders, activists and students. Business community of Tansen called a bandh to protest the attack.

Palpa Chamber of Commerce and Industries also organised a rally for the cause.

Gulmi unit of Nepali Congress also demonstrated in Tamghas. Normal life in the district, including its headquarters Tamghas, came to a standstill following the strike. The CPN-Maoists threatened to retaliate against the NC, and claimed that the strike was organised blowing a minor issue out of proportion.