Addressing Tuesday´s parliamentary session, Minister Rawal said police had played the role of mediator between Maoist protestors and locals protesting the strike and effectively averted a situation of confrontation between the two sides. [break]
“The government did nothing except subdue the clashes,” he said, referring to Maoist allegations that the government used vigilantes to incite violence and clashes during the protests.
He made it clear that two National Investigation Department (NID) personnel captured by Maoist protestors at Thapathali were carrying out their professional duty and they had no intention of inciting violence. NID is the intelligence wing of the government.
Maoist lawmakers had boycotted the House session on Monday, alleging that the government had suppressed their peaceful protests. The Maoists had sought clarifications from the home minister for the alleged suppression.
Responding to the Maoist demand, Rawal said altogether 37 protestors were arrested, and 15 road vehicle including 14 motorcycles, 13 shopping outlets and one residential building were vandalized in course of the Maoist protests. He said altogether 107 persons including 38 police personnel were injured in the clashes that ensued between Maoist agitators and security personnel during the protests.
According to Rawal, 28 of the arrested have already been releseased. Likewise, legal action has been intiatated against six arrested under the Public Offense Act and against three others under the Arms and Ammunition Act.
Rawal said police personnel were mobilized effectively to protect life and property. He said police had played the role of mediator when there were clashes between Maoist cadres and locals defying the strike in various parts of the Valley including Jorpati, Maitighar, Budhanilakantha, Satungal and Ratna Park areas.
Rawal said police had tried their best to avert confrontation between police and Maoist protesters during the peace rally organized at Basantapur Durbar Square to urge the Maoists to withdraw their strike. He said police had used minimum force in Birgunj so as not to let the situation worsen following the clashes between Hindu activists and Maoist protestors at local Ghantaghar Chowk.
Rawal said that security personnel had taken precautions during the Maoist agitation to avert a situation where explosives and arms would be used, and also arrested a few Maoist cadres in this connection.
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