BIRENDRANAGAR, MARCH 2
Opponents of Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact staged demonstration in Birendranagar today amidst a curfew order.
Police have taken 23 agitators under control for breaching the curfew order imposed from last night owing to a fierce protest against the US-aid project.
The House ratified the compact on Sunday and people not happy with the move took to the streets the following day, resorting to vandalism and arson in the town. They vandalised the offices of political parties and torched police beats in the town. The violation of the curfew resulted in a scuffle between security forces and protesters in which 18 police personnel, including an inspector, were injured.
The dissidents hurled stones at security personnel who were alerting the public through megaphone to stay indoors during the curfew hours.
City police Chief Lal Bahadur Sunar is among those injured in the attack. According to the District Police Office Deputy Superintendent of Police Ram Prasad Gharti, nine among the injured have been hospitalised, while the remaining nine have received minor injuries.
Two commoners have also received injuries in the scuffle.
District Administration Office, Surkhet, clamped the curfew beginning 8:15pm yesterday till 7:00pm today.
Chief District Officer Khagendra Prasad Rijal said the curfew, if there was no further notice, would remain in effect till late this evening. The situation throughout today will determine the next step, he added.
