RAUTAHAT: Activists of Nepali Congress, Unified CPN-Maoist and Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum have been forced out of Malahi VDC in Rautahat since the last three days, as CPN-UML cadres have threatened to take their lives. The situation ensued following a road mishap where a UML cadre was critically injured.

Three persons were injured in a mishap when a bike ridden by Unified CPN-Maoist Jayalal Sahani met with an accident injuring himself and other two persons.

UML cadre Sukhal Sahani is undergoing treatment in Kathmandu while the other two injured, Jaya Lal Sahani and Gopal Sahani, have been undergoing treatment in Narayani sub-regional hospital in Birgunj.

"The Garuda Area Police Office arrested three UML cadres involved in the clash; however, they were released after sometime due to political pressure," said Ram Kishor Sahani, former VDC chairman and an UCPN-M cadre. He added that cadres of UCPN-M and NC had been detained without any concrete reasons.

"Another clash ensued while holding a discussion to settle the matter," said Sahani, adding that the UCPN-M and NC cadres were displaced due to the threats of the UML cadres. He said that the displaced were taking refuge in the neighbouring villages. "Some 100 UCPN-M and NC cadres were displaced following the threat," he said.

Shiv Sharma Acharya, inspector at Garuda Police Office said that the clash had ensued after two sides of the village had disputed. He added that people being displaced was nothing but a rumour.

The detained will be soon be released after the two sides reach an agreement, he said.

Meanwhile, the UML district committee said that it would take action against the guilty after carrying out an investigation into the incident.