Despite the deployment of security forces, incidents of poll-related violence has been increasing with involvement mainly of the UCPN (Maoist, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML cadres. [break]
In Bajura district alone, 30 violent clashes were reported over the past few weeks. Locals also said many incidents go unreported. Local communications media in the district reported that party cadres have been found thrashing rivals, hurling stones and using sharp weapons during clashes in the course of canvassing.
The October 19 clash between the cadres of the Nepali Congress and Maoist party cadres, has yet to cool down. The clash had occurred after Nepali Congress district leader Padam Sahi defected to UCPN (Maoist). NC cadres angered by Shahi´s defection had hurled stones at the vehicle of Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
According to police, a child along with Kadak Rana,17, of Bramhatola VDC-7 were seriously injured. Nepali Congress cadre Dinesh Rawal had allegedly attacked Kadak with sharp weapons while the former was leaving for Kathmandu.
On October 31, more than 10 locals were injured after a clash broke out between the cadres of UCPN (Maoist) and CPN-UML. “An eight year old child along with 10 CPN-UML cadres were badly injured after police baton-charged on a crowd,” said a local Dhiran BK.
Similarly, yet another clash had erupted between the Congress and CPN-UML party cadres on November 4. The situation had turned nasty after NC cadres hurled stones at the UML cadres, who were returning home after an electoral rally.
Chief District Officer Dhurba Joshi said clashes have been occurring despite strong presence of security forces in the district. But he claimed that the situation in Bajura is still better than other districts. Police inspector Hikmat Bohara said the incidents that have occurred so far are minor ones.
Meanwhile, Police in Simara of Bara district have disposed of explosives kept to disrupt a Maoist party program.
“We believe that the bombs were hidden to disrupt the Mechi Mahakali Awakening Program [of the UCPN (Maoist)], which was to be addressed by top Maoist leaders Friday,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) in Bara, Thakur Gyawali.
The explosives were recovered from Jitpur and Simara area.
Similarly, an unidentified group in Rautahat district has obstructed the East-West Highway by felling trees. CPN-UML leader Madhav Nepal and UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal were to use the highway for their electoral campaign.
A suspicious object inside a black plastic bag along with a danger sign had been placed on the fallen tree trunk. This caused the vehicular traffic along the highway to disrupt for about an hour. According to Chandranigahapur Area Police Office, the trees have been removed and there is no danger.
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