POKHARA: Police fired tear gas and used water canon in Pokhara, Kaski, as tensions escalated between law enforcement and supporters of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
The clashes erupted when RSP supporters attempted to breach a designated prohibition zone.
Rabi Lamichhane, RSP Chairman recently arrested in a cooperative fraud case, was taken to the Kaski District Court in Pokhara on Sunday for a custody extension.
His arrest on Friday in Kathmandu by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has prompted intensified demonstrations from his supporters.
A heavy presence of both supporters and police has been noted on the streets of Pokhara.
Protests led by top RSP leaders took place over the weekend as well.
The protests coincide with the ongoing outcry from victims of the Suryadarshan Cooperative, who are also demonstrating just 50 meters away from the RSP supporters.
Police have been blocking protesters from both groups.
The situation grew increasingly volatile after Lamichhane’s arrest, leading to scuffles between RSP supporters and police earlier today.
Tensions surged further when demonstrators defied the prohibition order issued by the Kaski District Administration Office.
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