SARALHI, Dec 3: Some rounds of rubber bullets have been fired at a mass meeting organized by United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) at Nawalpur along East West Highway on Thursday afternoon.
An environment of chaos was created as protestors dispersed soon after the firing. Some protestors are reportedly injured in the incident.
"We have been informed that there have been firing in the meeting from someone other than security forces," Sarlahi Chief District Officer (CDO) Meghnath Kafle said.
UML mass meeting begins in Saptari despite UDMF protest
CDO Kafle said that police had to fire few rounds of plastic bullets to contain situation.
However, Chairman of Sadhbhawana Party Rajendra Mahato claimed that administration had fired bullets to create chaos in the meeting. "The security forces fired bullets immediately after my name was announced to address the meeting," Mahato added, "Many cadres are injured in the incident."
Earlier, UDMF had decided to organize a protest gathering along the highway. However, the idea was soon dropped after Chure Bhawar Rastriya Party threatened to disrupt the gathering.
The UDMF cadres had seized the highway for around two hours for the protest meeting. They soon dispersed after the firing.
Chure Bhawar cadres have now seized the area.
Security beefed up for front’s assembly in Sarlahi
The United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) is preparing to hold mass assembly at Nawalpur of the district despite threatening from Chure Bhawar Party not to let the front organize the assembly in areas adjoining the East-West Highway.
Police in large numbers have been fanned out around the venue to prevent any untoward incidents.
Personnel from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force have been deployed at highway areas in Hariban, Lalbandi and Nawalpur bazaar.
