Former MP injured in Tansen clash

Palpa, December 29:

Three persons, including a former Member of Parliament, were injured in a clash that occurred during the bandh called by Nepali Congress’s Palpa unit today. The bandh was announced to protest the attack on NC district president Rajan Prasad Panta by ANNISU-R students yesterday.

The NC Palpa said the Maoists suddenly attacked the team of former MP Hari Prasad Nepal following an argument between the two groups. Maoist district secretary Chhitiz said the clash broke out after the NC student supporters misbehaved with the ANNISU-R affiliated students.

Nepal sustained serious head injury while businessman Yadav Karki and Haribol Bhattarai sustained minor injuries. All those injured have been undergoing treatment in Lumbini Medical College.

Meanwhile, three students of ANNISU-R, including Arun Sharma, sustained minor injuries in the clash, district secretary Chhitiz said.

The Tansen bazaar and its adjoining areas remained tense throughout the day following the clash. Short and long route vehicles stayed off the road while shops and educational institutions remained shut.

Meanwhile, police held two ANNISU-R students on the charge of involvement in the clash. CPN-Maoist district secretary Chhitiz said the problem would be solved through talks, while NC president Rajan Prasad Panta said the talks would be useless.

The students had also demonstrated in Tansen to defy the bandh called by the NC this afternoon.