Locals, cops clash; 12 hurt

LAMAHI: At least 12 protesters were injured when they clashed with the police here today. The local residents of Katberuwa in Dang tried to padlock the office of Nepal Electricity Authority, accusing the latter of turning deaf ear to their demands.

They have been demanding resumption of electricity supply in the area, which has been disrupted for two months due to a dispute between Kateberuwa and Materiya villagers over an irrigation canal. Struggle committee coordinator Surya Chaudhary said they were compelled to agitate as their call were unheard.

Krishna Kumar Sharma, chief, Area Administration Office, said they were trying to resolve the row through talks.

Earlier, Materiya locals uprooted the electricity poles in Kateberuwa area following the dispute over the canal.