Sarlahi, June 21:

Seeking the release of their leader, cadres of the Maoist-affiliated Young Communist League today blocked traffic for three hours in Sarlahi’s Nawalpur along the Mahendra Highway. They warned that a decisive agitation will be launched tomorrow if their leader, Thagaram Chamar, is not freed.

YCL’s Sarlahi’s coordinator Keshar Karki said the highway was disrupted seeking the release of CPN (Maoist)’s Sarlahi area no 5 in-charge Thagaram Chamar. Over 200 Maoists staged a demonstration and shouted slogans against the police administration. Hundreds of travellers were affected due to the disruption in vehicular movement on the highway.

Personnel of the APF had arrested the Maoists’ in-charge at the APF base camp at Sundarpur Chuadawa today. Police inspector KP Sharma said a home-made pistol and seven bullets were confiscated from him. Sharma said Chamar will be sued for possessing illegal arms.