Thapa, who was leading the torch rally at New Road in Kathmandu, was injured when policemen baton-charged the demonstrators. Police and the protestors clashed when policemen tried to snatch torches and banners from the protestors.[break]
According to party central committee member Maheshwar Dahal, 22 others, including Maoist central committee member Dinesh Shama have been admitted to Bir Hospital. Maoist politburo member Hitman Shakya and CPN (Maoist) head Matrika Yadav also sustained minor injuries.
The protesters burnt effigies of Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to protest against the government decision to hand over the Maoist weapons and cantonments to the national army. Cadres from the Baidya faction burnt effigies of Bhattarai and Dahal across the country.
Addressing the rally, Maoist General Secretary Thapa said boots and batons would not deter them from fighting for national sovereignty and integrity.
Meanwhile, issuing a statement, party secretary CP Gajurel denounced the police intervention saying "the attack on peaceful protests is deplorable."
Cadres from the dissident faction of the ruling party also obstructed vehicular movement at various places in Kathmandu and across the country for one hour from 10 am Wednesday.
Reports say vehicular movement was brought to a halt along major highways including the East-West Highway and the Araniko Highway during the hour-long chakkajam beginning at 10 am.
There are also reports of some arrests made in a few places during the strike. However, no untoward incident has been reported so far.
Likewise, the disgruntled faction is taking out torch rallies in the evening, burning effigies of party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Vice-chairman and Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai for their´ betrayal of revolution.´
On Tuesday evening, in a major step towards concluding the peace process, all PLA cantonments along with their security management were handed over to the national army as per a Special Committee decision.
Maoist Baidya faction cadres descend on the road, waving flags, to enforce a one-hour transport shutdown in Biratnagar on Wednesday morning. (Photo: Republica)
Chakkajam enforcers assemble on the road and shout slogans in *New Baneshwor in the capital. (Photo: Republica)
*caption corrected
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