Chandragadhi, April 19, 2006

Two demonstrators died on the spot when soldiers of the Royal Nepalese Army opened fire on a pro-democracy rally in Chandragadhi, Jhapa, today. At least 115 people were injured, seven of them critically. The RNA men opened fire on the peaceful demonstration participated in by about 50,000 people. The two killed have been identified as Rajan Giri, of Arjundhara VDC, and Suraj Bishwas, of Bhadrapur municipality. Superintendent of police Keshari Raj Ghimire and police constable Tej Bahadur Budhathoki also sustained bullet injuries in the incident. Budhathoki and seven demonstrators, critically injured in the incident, have been referred to other hospitals for treatment. Others injured have been admitted to the Bhadrapurbased Mechi zonal hospital. According to a Red Cross official (Jhapa), most of the injured were sh-ot on the head and stomach. A clash ensued between the security men and demonstrators arrived at Chandragadhi. Police fired teargas shells, and rubber bullets. Thirty-five were injured in the clash. RNA soldiers opened fire at 4:30 pm as the demonstrators dismantled a Panchayat silver jubilee pillar, brought it in front of the DDC office and burnt chairs of DDC chairman and vice-chairman. There was a stampede at the Chandragadhi bazaar following the firing. Locals of Chandragadhi, Bhadrapur and Birtamod shut themselves in their houses. The district-based source of the RNA refused to say as to why the army men resorted to the firing.

Repression has no effect on agitation

Lahan, April 19, 2006

Around half dozen agitators were injured as police rained lathis on a mob heading towards the residence of the Chief District Officer. Police also beat up some agitators after a dispute erupted in the municipality office as the agitators were trying to padlock it. The irate demonstrators then proceed to vandalise District Administration Office, residence of CDO, Municipality Office, Land Reform Office, Land Revenue Office, Post Office, among other buildings. The agitators also damaged a jeep and a temporary city police office. FSU treasurer Dinesh Yadav was seriously injured in clashes. Rallies and demonstrations were also held across Dhankuta. Organisers said village-level rallies and meetings are being held everyday at Chanuwa, Dandagaun, Marek Katahare, Jeetpur and Parewadin VDCs. According to principal Rudra BK of the Saraswati Secondary School in Chanuwa VDC, teachers, students and local farmers staged a massive rally followed by a meeting at Marek Katahare VDC yesterday. Similar protests were staged at the Parewadin VDC on Tuesday. District-level leaders of different political parties, including Rajkumar Rai of CPN-UML, urged the central level leaders not to give up the agitation.