NEPALGUNJ, June 2: Nine people including some policemen were injured in a clash between police and members of a monarchist group over the installation of a bust of former King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah at Dhamboji Chowk in Nepalgunj on Thursday.

Police fired several rounds of shots in the air after the clash, which caused tension in the market. The monarchist group had installed a bust of the late King Birendra in the chowk. The bust was installed to mark the 21st anniversary of the royal palace massacre.

After police removed the bust, the group also vandalized the statue of Martyr Setu BK at New Road. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhusudan Neupane of District Police Office, Banke, the police opened fire after the situation got out of control.

Police said that they have arrested four persons from the spot. Police have cordoned off Dhamboji Chowk and Setu BK Chowk and intensified security at BP Chowk and Pushpalal Chowk after an angry monarchist group vandalized the statue of Martyr Setu at Setu BK Chowk. 

During the people’s movement of 2005/2006, the bust of late King Birendra at Birendra Chowk was demolished. Mayor of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolis Prashant Bista and Deputy Mayor Kamaruddin Rai reached the spot and urged not to disturb the social harmony in Nepalgunj. They urged the people not to sabotage public property as a solution can be found by mutual consent through discussions.

 
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