Janakpur, January 23:

The situation of Janakpur remained tense today after protesting youths, alleging that NC leaders are opponents of Madhesis, tried to attack

the Janaki police post at Janakpur this evening. Police opened several rounds of tear gas shells in the air.

The demonstrators burnt one motorbike with a government number plate after entering the police post.

DSP Rup Sagar Nuepane of Dhanusa said the police had to open fire in the air to protect the police post. Some youths affiliated with Madhesi parties tried to attack the Janaki police post. The situation of Janakichock remained tense even though security personnel were deployed in large number.

Earlier, there had been clashes between police and the demonstrators in Janakchowk. The demonstrators affiliated with MJF, Nepal Sadbhawana Party and Madhes Tarai Loktantrik Party were returning after showing black flags to NC leaders.

A report from Mahottari said life in Mahottari was badly affected by the bandh called by different Madhes organisations. Protesting against the arrest and lathi-charge on their cadres, the Madhes Loktantrik Party, Janatantrik Tarai Mukti Morcha (J), Mahottari, and Nepal Landless’ Organisations Mahottari called a day’s strike.

Police arrested and charged lathis upon them as they were attempting to obstruct the way of NC acting president Sushil Koirala. A report from Jhapa said the bandh organised by federal Limbuwan Council affected life in Jhapa today.