Seven hurt in blast

BIRGUNJ: Seven persons were injured when a bomb exploded in front of Maistahan Temple in Birgunj on Wednesday evening. The injured are being treated in the Narayani Sub-regional Hospital. Security has been beefed up in Birgunj. Inspector Bhuwanesor Prasad Shah said five persons — including Raj Bahadur Gosai, Birgunj in-charge of Tarai Mukti Morcha — were arrested for the blast. — HNS

Highway obstructed

ILAM: Students of Sangiya Bidyarthi Union and Limbuwan Bidyarthi Parisad obstructed the Mechi Highway on Wednesday, demanding proportional representation in Free Students’ Union election. The FSU election in campuses in Taplejung and Panchthar and three campuses in Jhapa have been postponed. — HNS

Two hurt in clash

PHIDIM: Two cadres of Pallo Kirant Rastriya Manch (PKRM) were injured when they clashed with YCL cadres in Phidim on Wednesday. Condition of one of the injured, Nilam Jabegu, is reportedly critical. Nilam said he was not affiliated with any organisation, adding that Pallo Kirant members had dragged him from his school to the clash site. The two groups had also clashed on Tuesday.— HNS

Four injured in fire

BHAKTAPUR: At least four persons were injured in a fire that broke out in Keshav Prasad Nakarmi’s house at Bachutole, Bhaktapur Municipality-6, on Wednesday. According to Metropolitan Police Sector, Bhaktapur, the three-storied traditionally built old house was gutted after fire caught petrol kept inside the house.— HNS