DHARAN: Police have intensified operation in Dharan in a bid to defuse tension that flared after the irate youths pelted stones and clashed with police at the Area Police Office.

The members of the Recovery Group have been clashing with the police since yesterday afternoon demanding release of their friends. However, after the police intervention, the group has gone underground. Sudip Rai, chairman of the group, has admitted mistake.

Nine members of the group have been held for their involvement in vandalism. Eight members of the group were held last night. Additional personnel from Koshi Zonal Office and District Police Office Sunsari were also deputed to take the situation under control. The clash had started after two youths, who had gone to gift flowers to their beloved ones on Valentine's Day, were beaten up by the girls’ kin. Following the incident the friends of the youths had protested by burning tires on the streets and vandalised the Area Police Office.