RAUTAHAT: Leaders of the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) have protested the visit of Minister of Forest and Soil Conservation Agni Prasad Sapkota by greeting him with black flags in Rautahat, on Wednesday afternoon.

Minister Sapkota was on a visit to Gaur to monitor the ongoing conservation works done by Nepal Army around Barhawa Lake, which falls in the jurisdiction of President Chure Conservation Programme.

Ram Niwas Yadav, district coordinator of the Front, said, "We have restricted the ministers or any other government officials from visiting the district."

"But, Sapkota’s visit sparked tension; so we protested.”

Minister Sapkota had to shorten his inspection and return to Purenawa-based Nepal Army’s barrack.