A group of YCL cadres hurled stones at opposition activists while they were staging demonstration to block the passage of Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, who is scheduled to arrive here to participate in the party’s district convention. [break]
The clash site lies some 50 meters from the Maoists’ program venue at the bus park. YCL cadres, some 700 in number, are dispersed all along the street from Pulbazar, the entry point to the district, to the Maoist program venue.
YCL cades, who indiscriminately pelted stones at nearby houses, have also beaten up journalists and issued threat to their life. Krishna Chandra Banjara, a reporter with Abhiyan daily and Bhola Thapa, an NTV scribe are among the journalists injured in the YCL attack.
Likewise, Kunsan Lama, an NC activist and Indra Tamang, a UML supporter have been injured in the attack. YCL cadres are led by Dawa Lama, the party´s regional secretary who supports the Baburam Bhattarai faction, and who is also a former PLA fighter.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bhattarai and other senior party leaders including Pushpa Kamal Dahal have reached Banepa, escorted by police and YCL cadres. No journalists have been allowed at and nearby the Maoist program venue. Police have made no effort to ensure journalists´ safety.
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