TAPLEJUNG, Feb 23: At least 24 people were injured in a clash on Saturday evening between security forces and the No Cable Car group in Phungling. Among the injured, four individuals have been referred to outside Taplejung district for further treatment.
According to District Police Chief (DSP) Ravi Rawal, initial reports indicate that 12 security personnel and 12 protesters suffered injuries. They referred three protesters and one security personnel for additional treatment outside the district. DSP Rawal mentioned that five security personnel are receiving treatment in the hospital.
Clash between cadres of ruling alliance and UML in Phubari of T...
The police arrested 15 individuals on charges of rioting. They also reported firing two rounds of tear gas to disperse protestors and take the situation under control last night. Meanwhile, the protesting group alleged that security forces raided the houses and hotels where the protesters were staying and beat them before arresting them.
Protest leader Kirtiman Madan claimed that the police surrounded houses while people were sleeping, engaged in vandalism, and carried out arrests and beatings. To control the situation, the local administration issued a curfew order from 5 AM today, imposing restrictions in the areas of Phungling, Pathibhara, Kaflepati, and Baludanda.
The situation became tense after a clash broke out following the rally and protest organized by the No Cable Car group in Phungling on Saturday evening. The No Cable Car group had completed their foot march from February 18 to 20 and then took to the streets in Phungling with a rally and protest. Local security sources reported the clash started as authorities attempted to control the torch rally, considering the potential fire hazards.
According to the protesting group, security forces went beyond managing the protest; they attacked protesters, raided their homes, and used violence against them.
