ITAHARI: Fear of a clash between the Rastriya Janamorcha Nepal (RJN), which has called a one-day bandh in Mechi and Koshi zones to protest federalism, and Limbu as well as Khambu outfits, which have declared to defy the call at any cost, has gripped people in the eastern region.

RJN has called a bandh tomorrow, arguing that federalism poses a threat to national integrity. Janamorcha cadres have vowed to make the call a success while Samyukta Limbuwan Morcha, Khambuwan Organisation and Kirat Workers' Party have announced to defy the bandh at any cost. Local residents expect a clash between the opposing forces.

Leaders of nine pro-Limbuwan, the name of their proposed federal state, organisations announced on Sunday to stop all anti-federalist works in nine districts east of the Arun River. Kumar Lingden, chairman, Federal Limbuwan State Council, said tomorrow's bandh would be defied even if it meant sacrificing lives. Prabin Nembang, member, Nepal Limbu Organisation, echoed Lingden.

Tribeni Chongbang, central secretary, the CPN-UML-aligned Kirat Limbu Sangh, said the government had not taken action against RJN, whose agitation was against the spirit of the interim constitution. Janamorcha activists, however, said the outfits had tried to act against the constitution by intending to suppress their peaceful agitation.

Surendra Bhandari, Mechi-Koshi chairman, RJN, claimed that their agitation was unconstitutional, but an exercise of freedom of speech. He warned the outfits not to threaten them, arguing that the issue of federalism had been brought forth to create more political posts.

Organising a press meet today, Bhandari said they would not launch an offensive but would retaliate if some one attacked them during a peaceful programme. He clarified that their movement was not against any ethnic group or organisation.

Meanwhile, Eastern Regional Police Office Biratnagar, has stated to beef up security on that day to prevent a clash.