The agitating cadres also vandalized a pre-primary school in Bhanu Chowk of Jankapur on the charge of defying their strike, which they called from Monday protesting the release of salaries to 18 government employees suspended over corruption charges.[break]
The agitating cadres vandalized a van (Ja 1 Cha 563) in Ram Chowk and a jeep (Na 2 Cha 2535) at Kadam Chowk of Janakpur. Similarly, they vandalized more vehicles at Pidari Chowk, Bhanu Chowk and Mills Area of Janakpur, according to the District Police Office, Dhanusha.
Enraged by police intervention on the first day of their strike Monday, the agitating cadres were seen enforcing the strike more strictly on Tuesday, closing down all shops, factories, schools and transport services. Normal life was entirely thrown out of gear as local authorities failed to negotiate a deal with the agitators.
Even as the strike reached its second day, Chief District Officer (CDO) of Dhanusha Hari Krishna Upadhyaya did not take any initiatives to call the protestors for talks. "It is pointless to hold talks with those who are agitating against me," he said.
The agitators say they will not call off their strike unless action is not taken against CDO Upadhyay, Dhanusha district police Chief SP Basanta Panta, Dhanusha Armed Police Force (APF) chief Subarna Thapa, and the local development officer (LDO) of Dhanusha Tara Nath Adhikari.
While the agitators demand action against LDO Adhikari for providing salaries to the 18 suspended government employees, the rest have been targeted for their role in police intervention.
Nearly two months ago, 18 government employees, including 7 VDC secretaries, had been suspended after they were found to be allegedly involved in the misuse of Rs 300 million, which includes budget meant for social security allowances. The case is now under investigation by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).
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