PHIDIM: Normal life of Panchthar district was brought to a standstill today due to the indefinite transportation bandh called by Federal Limbuwan State Council, demanding unconditional release of their cadre Deepak Khanal, who was arrested while collecting donation from vehicle entrepreneurs at Phidim Bazaar last Saturday. Following his arrest, the council had called the bandh.

Owing to the bandh, vehicles plying on long and short routes remained off the road in the district. Issuing a press release, Sagar Kerung, district secretary of the council, said they had to announce the indefinite transportation bandh in the district as the police detained their ‘innocent’ cadre.

However, Police Inspector Purshottam Khadka at the District Police Office said they could not release Khanal as a case had already been filed against him for collecting donation illegally.

Meanwhile, denying release of Khanal, Chief District Officer Dulluraj Basnet said that the administration would provide security for vehicles on the road.