TIKAPUR (KAILALI), March 29: At least 13 Maoist cadres and three policemen were injured as Maoist cadres clashed with police when the former staged protests against Indian ambassador Rakesh Sood, who arrived at Tikapur to attend a Tharu cultural function on Tuesday.
According to the Area Police Office at Tikapur, the security personnel had to baton charge after the Maoists showed the ambassador black flags. [break]
Hari Khatri, Hari Timalsena and Prakash Rawal sustained serious injuries in police action. Police arrested around 20 Maoists including a local Maoist leader Hari Gyawali.
The district police office in Dhangadhi said at least 1,000 policemen under the command of SP Harish Chandra Acharya were deployed to ensure security for the India ambassador.