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Police-Maoist cadres clash in course of 3-hr chakkajam; UML MP's vehicle vandalised

The capital, Kathmandu, turned tense on Wednesday following clashes between the police and cadres of pro-Maoist student union and Young Communist League (YCL) in areas including New Baneshwore, Babarmahal, Chabahil and Ratnapark.

Maoist affiliated ANNFSU-R students protesting at Ratnapark demanding immediate release...

Reports say police have arrested scores of Maoist activists from the clash sites. The Maoist student organisation has said at least five of its cadres have been injured in the clashes.

The YCL cadres vandalised and set fire to the vehicle of UML MP Som Prasad Pandey. His vehicle was set to fire in New Baneshwore by the YCL cadres who claimed that he was trying to violate their chakkajam (blockade of traffic movement).

Earlier, ordinary folks were treated to a sudden chakkajam on Wednesday morning. Office-goers, common commuters and students were stranded after the Maoist-affiliated student activists and Young Communist League (YCL) cadres came out in the streets of the capital valley to enforce three-hour chakkajam from 10 am.

The chakkajam ended at 1 pm after which the nromal traffic movement has resumed in the city.

The pro-Maoist elements blocked the road in Kopundole in the morning obstructing movement from Lalitpur to Kathmandu district. Likewise, they have burnt tyres and blocked road sections in Chabahil, Jawalakhel, Baneshwore and other parts.

The agitators are demanding immediate release of YCL members who were arrested by the police on Tuesday for taking part in protest rallies wearing combat dresses and carrying weapons.

On Tuesday, the capital had witnessed a series of clashes between YCL/pro-Maoist students and Nepal Student Union (NSU) activists.

The NSU had launched its agitation protesting against the attack of their activists by YCL in Thapathali campus on Monday. nepalnews.com sd Aug 15 07