Kamal Thapa arrested for ‘instigating’ violence in Terai
Former Home Minister Kamal Thapa was arrested Monday evening on charges of instigating violence in Terai region.
Police arrested Thapa from his residence in Bishal Nagar, Kathmandu, at around 9:45 pm. Thapa reportedly refused to receive the arrest warrant, but the police team insisted to take him with them saying they had order from above to arrest him.
Thapa is accused of fuelling violence in the ongoing protests of Madhesi groups in several Terai districts over the last few days.
His arrest came within hours after Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula claimed at a press briefing that royalists were infiltrating into the protests in Terai to instigate violence and vowed action against those trying to create unrest.
Thapa, one of the key figures in the past royal government, is also accused of ordering brutal clampdown on 19-day pro-democracy agitations last April.
At least seven people have been killed and dozens others injured in the ensuing violence in Terai during protests organised by Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) and two factions of Terai Janatantrik Mukti Morcha (JTMM), demanding amendment in the recently-promulgated interim constitution to guarantee proportional representation in the upcoming constituent assembly polls and a federal system. nepalnews.com mk Jan 29 07
