MYAGDI, Nov 19: Clashes, arson and beatings have taken place in Myagdi after the "silence period" of the House of Representatives and provincial assembly elections began on Friday.
A group of youths belonging to the Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Center) set fire to a motorcycle and vandalized six motorcycles in Ratibeni-9, Dholthan on Friday.
Krishna Sharma, a member of the youth mobilization team of the ruling alliance, said that a motorcycle numbered Dha 1 Pa 5016 was set on fire in Ghatan's Dholthan, while six motorcycles were vandalized. "After hearing the news that money was going to be distributed to the voters, stones were pelted on the team. We had left the motorcycle to save our lives, and our friends were injured when stones were thrown," said Sharma.
What not to do during silent period?
Nabin Paudel, Kedar Paudel, Shiva Baniya, Arjun Khatri got head and body injuries due to stone pelting. The injured Nabin Paudel said that the youth of CPN-UML were involved in the incident. The search for those involved in the incident and strict action has been demanded.
Meanwhile, Suvash Bishwakarma, a central member of the CPN-UML-affiliated students' organization, said that a Dalit woman was beaten up by youths of the alliance in Beni municipality-5, Naya village. Bishwakarma said that Dilkumari Pariyar, Gaurab Ramdam, Chandra Bahadur Bhandari of Naya village of Pulachour were assaulted and a woman was injured. "I demand strict action against those involved in the incident," Bishwakarma said. According to him, action has been demanded to identify those involved in the incident.
Although there has been a response on social media saying that the incident happened while drinking alcohol and distributing money and food, people involved in both incidents have not made their official views public. Deputy Superintendent of Police Tilak Bharti said that the incident that happened in Beni municipality is being investigated.
During the 'silence period' 48 hours before the polling, party and candidate campaigning is prohibited, however, some political parties are active during this time to influence the vote. According to the Civil Crimes (Code) Act 2074BS, as both cases fall under criminal nuisance, if investigated, imprisonment for three years, a fine of up to Rs 30,000, and compensation equal to the amount of the damage caused to the victim is provided by the offender.
