Situation in Biratnagar had turned tense after cadres of ruling Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) clashed with members of Matrika-led Maoist Wednesday night. Police said that the fighting groups exchanged fire. [break]
Thirteen people from the two Maoist factions sustained serious injuries during the clashes. Those injured are Kushal Limbu, in-charge of Unified CPN Maoist´s Young Communist League (YCL), Hari Om Rajbangshi, Sudeep Shrestha, Jhalak Majhi, Binod Sah, Dawa Sherpa, Umesh Lal Kamat, Hari Lal Rajbanshi, Manoj Kamat, Domi Rajbanshi, Dilwa Kamat, Anil Chaudhari and Gyanu Bhattarai. Majority of them have received bullet injuries. They are undergoing treatment at Koshi Zonal Hospital.
Matrika-led Maoist group also clashed with police Thursday morning after the former burnt tires at several places and shut down shops in Mahabir Chowk of the eastern city. They demanded action against Unified CPN (Maoist) for allegedly shooting at their men Wednesday night. They shouted slogans like "End YCL terror".
The two sides exchanged fire during the clash that started at 10 p.m. Wednesday and continued till early Thursday.
The Unified CPN (Maoist) said three of its workers have gone missing after the clash. The clash had started after Matrika Yadav’s men torched a vehicle used by ruling Maoist workers on Wednesday evening and allegedly abducted a Maoist worker.
Meanwhile, Bijaya Kamat, the election candidate from Matrika Yadav´s CPN (Maoist) from Morang Constituency-7 said his group attacked the vehicle as the ruling Maoists continued electioneering in violation of the election code of conduct.
By-elections are scheduled for Friday in six constituencies in five districts. Election code of conduct bars parties from campaigning from 72 hours before the elections.
Chief District Officer of Morang, Shashi Shekhar Shrestha, told myrepublica.com over phone that no one was arrested.
Related story
Poland beats Switzerland 5-4 in shootout
-1200x560-1774606010.webp)
