BIRGUNJ: Tension ran high at the heart of Birgunj on Wednesday after local businessmen retaliated against the agitating cadres of United Democratic Madhesi Front who reportedly manhandled a Mina Bazar-based shopkeeper while enforcing the second day of general shutdown called to protest the fatal police firing in Saptari district.

A local leader of Rastriya Madhes Samajwadi Party, identified as Prem Babu Patel, sustained minor injuries in the clash.

Following the incident, the local administration mobilised a large number of security personnel in the area to contain the situation and prevent further confrontation between the two sides.

Shops, market areas, industries, financial institutions and educational institutions have remained close for the second consecutive in Birgunj. Public and private vehicles also remained off the road.

UPDATE: Shops opened in major market areas in the late afternoon.

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(With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)