Biratnagar, November 4:

The Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum (MJF) has halted the indefinite strike it had called in Biratnagar to protest the killing of a party cadre for 48 hours from 1 pm today. The MJF said the strike was suspended for two days keeping in view with the Chhath festival.

The MJF has been agitating for the past three days to protest the killing of MJF activist Karan Yadav in a clash over an issue related to a tender three days ago.

At a press conference organised here today, the MJF said it withdrew the strike for 48 hours after submitting a five-point demand to the local administration.

In the memorandum submitted to the administration, the MJF warned of resuming strong protests if the guilty were not arrested within 48 hours. The MJF has also demanded the administration maintain peace and security in Morang, compensate the victim’s family, appoint DIGP, SP and DSP from the Madhesi community and bring to an end to the culture of providing political protection to the criminals.

Meanwhile, issuing a joint press release, UML youth wings — Democratic National Youth Federation and and Youth Force — have expressed concern about rising criminal activities in the city and condemned the inefficacy of the police and local administration.

The organisations also accused the police of arresting innocent persons instead of bringing the real culprits to the book.