Police and identity activists clash, at least 12 people injured

BIRATNAGAR, March 28: At least 12 people were injured in a clash between the police and pro-identity protestors who came to pressurize MPs who were coming to participate in an interactive workshop on resource management for achieving sustainable development goals at Hotel Big in Biratnagar. The clash took place after the protestors tried to break the police cordon.

According to the information given by SP Deepak Pokharel, three armed policemen and three Nepal Police personnel were injured in the clash. On the other hand, it is said that six protestors were injured. Due to the clashes, Biratnagar became tense for some time. The police fired water cannons and tear gas at the protestors, while the protestors pelted stones at the police. The protestors returned after the clash and the situation returned to normal.

The program scheduled for today and tomorrow under the organization of UNDP was earlier held at Biratchowk Hotel in Sundarharaincha, Morang. When Province no. 1 Re-naming Joint Struggle Committee was coming to surround it, the program was kept in Hotel Big in Biratnagar by showing insecurity. The chief minister, ministers, and all MPs of Koshi province have been invited to the program. The protestors reached to surround the venue to pressurize the MPs.

The Re-naming Joint Struggle Committee has been demanding that Koshi's name should be canceled and that the re-naming should be addressed based on the historical background and multiple identities. The police have tightened the security in the area as the members of the committee are going to gather to surround the hotel where the program will be held.