KALIKOT, Dec 25: Kalikot remains tense for the third consecutive day, following the death of a temporary police in a row over the perks and salary meant for temporary cops.
The indefinite curfew that was lifted from 8 am on Sunday was reinforced by the District Administration Office (DAO) after two hours due to the fear of escalation of violence. Irked locals and police clashed as the local authority was forced to continue the curfew indefinitely. Reportedly, more than two dozen people have been injured in the clash. Later in the evening, the curfew was again lifted for two hours from 6 pm after an appeal by the civil society leaders and human rights activists.
Chief District Officer (CDO) Badrinath Gaire informed that the DAO had to continue with the curfew enforced on Saturday as there were rumors that protesters would bring bombs and guns to the streets.
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So, the curfew was extended to prevent any kinds of untoward incident.
The CDO further informed that a probe panel from the Ministry of Home Affairs has reached the district to investigate into the incident. "Kalikot is a sensitive place in terms of security and we don't want further threats. That is why, we extended the curfew," CDO Gaire said.
With curfew in place, police have resorted to baton charging to ensure that the locals do not come out of their houses.
Violence escalated in the district after the police allegedly shot dead a temporary cop involved in protest on Friday. The temporary police were staging protests in front of the District Police Office (DPO) seeking clarification regarding the misappropriation of their salaries. While trying to disperse the crowd, police reportedly shot dead Bibek Aidi, 20, of Raskot Rural Municipality ward no 2. Following the incident, temporary cops along with the locals and family members of the deceased took to streets as violence escalated.
Political parties, newly elected representatives, lawmakers, civil society leaders among others are holding discussions regarding the incident. A recent meeting of the DAO concluded that stern action must be taken against the culprit after investigation.
Meanwhile, the indefinite curfew is affecting the day-to-day activities as the locals have not been able to come out of their homes. As informed by Regional Administrator Sureshman Pradhan, the victim's family will be provided with Rs 1.5 million as insurance for a temporary police.
The home ministry has assured to provide additional Rs 1 million to the victim's family in order to pacify the protesters. The ministry has also urged the protesters to stop their demonstrations, according to the DAO.
