KATHMANDU, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The major opposition party of Nepal CPN UML claimed on Tuesday that the ethnic Madhes-based parties should take the responsibility of Monday's violent incident that led to deaths of three protesters and injuries of dozens.
The country's south-eastern Terai region has remained tensed since three cadres of agitating ethnic United Democratic Madhesi Front died Monday in gun firing by security personnel in Saptari which borders India.
The clashes occurred in Saptari, some 450 kilometers away from the capital city Kathmandu, following which police personnel opened fire against the protesters when they attempted to interrupt the peaceful rally organized by CPN UML.
Organizing a press conference here Tuesday, CPN UML claimed that the unpleasant incident was a premeditated plan of Madhesi Front to wipe out UML leadership since all the top leaders present in the rally were targeted. The party further argued that the incident has pushed the country towards crisis.
Ishwor Pokharel, general secretary of CPN UML said "The protesters hurled more than 50 small bombs targeting the rally while attacking security personnel. The incident is suspicious. It is not just an attack to CPN UML but also an attack to democracy."
Stating that the incident was also planned to disrupt the local level elections slated for May, CPN UML said the government should be equally responsible as it failed to ensure security of common people.
The party demanded a high-level probe from the government and the National Human Rights Commission to look into Monday's fatal incident.
Reading out the party's official statement, Yogesh Bhattarai, secretary at CPN UML said "The incident has been planned to foil the implementation of constitution drafted by people's representatives and to disintegrate social harmony, unity, peace and stability. It is a conspiracy of not letting the Nepali people to decide their own fate."
The disgruntled parties have been demanding second amendment in the constitution to ensure more political representation in state bodies, delimitation of constituencies and fresh demarcation of federal boundaries and amendments in citizenship laws.
Following the incident of Monday, Terai districts have remained tensed as a two-day strike has been called by the Madhesi Front against the death of their cadres. They have accused the local administration of using excessive force on cadres.
Meanwhile, the District Administration Office has clamped an indefinite curfew in the district headquarters Rajbiraj and adjoining areas.
