KATHMANDU: Two identity-based leaders arrested in connection with the Mukkumlung protection movement have been released, while the arrest warrants for six others have been canceled.
The Sunsari District Police Office had detained three individuals, but two of them, Bishnu Thamden and Suman Chemjong, were released.
Khagendra Makhim, a leader involved in the movement, confirmed their release and stated that the Sunsari District Administration Office had also revoked arrest warrants for six others.
The canceled warrants were against Gentle Lawati, Amar Izam, Karun Rai, Dambar Labung, Sitaram Rai (Sibahang), and Ramesh Rai, who had been listed as fugitives.
Makhim congratulated those released and demanded the immediate release of Sirjana Begha, who remains in custody.
The dispute stems from a February 18 incident in which Chemjong, the vice president of Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal in Dharan, and others smeared Padam Chenjee Mabo, a supporter of the Pathibhara cable car project, with black soot.
Following a police complaint from Mabo on February 19, the Sunsari District Court had issued arrest warrants for eight individuals under the Public Offense Act. Chemjong defended his actions, claiming he had intervened to prevent further violence.
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