Supporters of rival UCPN (M) factions engage in fisticuffs

Supporters of the rival leaders of UCPN (Maoist) have clashed during a convention of the party's local committee at Basantapur VDC in Rautahat on Thursday.

Dispute over the selection of the representatives for the upcoming general convention got physical, prompting police intervention to prevent further tension, local reports said.

The cadres participating in the convention were apparently divided into two camps - one supporting central leader and former minister Prabhu Sah and the other backed by Ashok Jaiswal, a leader of from party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal faction. Sah is known to be close to Prime Minister and party vice chairman Baburam Bhattarai.

Earlier this week, the district convention of the party had seen a similar situation over the food served to the participants. Nepalnews.com