KATHMANDU: The campaign spearheaded by medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai has asserted that their protest in Balkhu was infiltrated, resulting in clashes and subsequent police repression.
Hari Karki, a member of the campaign, reported instances of intrusion and police suppression during two clashes that occurred on Thursday afternoon.
During the confrontations, 26 individuals from the campaign sustained injuries, with one person in critical condition.
The injured are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, and Karki announced plans for a press conference to address the alleged police repression.
“We sensed an intrusion in our demonstration,” Karki stated. “The police repression went beyond acceptable limits. We will hold a press conference to expose this.”
The clashes in Balkhu unfolded in two phases on Thursday.
Initially, a skirmish transpired between Durga Prasai-supporters and Yuwa Sangh supporters, followed by another confrontation with the police a few minutes later.
After the clashes, the police resorted to firing tear gas to regain control of the situation.
Attempts to thwart the protesters’ movement from Balkhu Chowk towards Kalimati led to escalated tensions, prompting the police to employ dozens of tear gas canisters and water cannons.
The incident resulted in injuries to some police officers, reflecting the intensity of the clashes in Balkhu.
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