KATHMANDU, Feb 2: The protest by pro-identity activists against the construction of a cable car in Pathibhara, Taplejung, has turned violent in Damak, Jhapa.
The Mukumlung Protection Inter-Party Struggle Committee had called for a two-day shutdown in nine districts east of Arun river for Sunday and Monday. On the first day of the shutdown, a clash broke out between protesters and police in Damak.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the police fired two rounds of bullets during the clash. However, the chief of the District Police Office, Jhapa, Superintendent of Police (SP) Milan KC holds that no bullets were fired.
“After the protesters pelted stones at the police, an attempt was made to bring the situation in control by firing one shell of tear gas canister,” he clarified. He added that four protesters who were demonstrating aggressively have been detained by the police.
“The protest is almost over now,” he said, “We are trying to bring the situation under control.”