KATHMANDU, Nov 23: A group led by Durga Prasai, who is said to be demonstrating in Balkhu, Kathmandu, has tried to move towards the protest-prohibited areas.
The government had designated a place for the group of Prasai to protest in Balkhu. After gathering at Balkhu, the protesters tried to come towards Maitighar, a restricted area. They are trying to enter Maitighar from Balkhu. The clashes occurred when the protestors tried to come to the restricted areas by force.
Earlier, the demonstrators affiliated to the Durga Prasai group and the cadres of the CPN-UML’s youth wing pelted stones at each other in the Balkhu area. However, the police intervened and took the situation under control.
The District Administration Office (DAO) Kathmandu had given permission to the Prasai group to hold the program in Balkhu. The Yuva Sangh was assigned a place for demonstration at Tinkune. Despite this, a clash broke out after the youth union workers reached Balkhu.
In Pictures: Tense Balkhu
There is a heavy presence of security personnel on both sides of the road. Armored vehicles and ambulances are on standby in the area. There is a heavy presence of security personnel in every square of nearby areas.
There is very little traffic on the road, giving the impression of a day of closure. Passengers are seen standing at intersections, waiting for means of public transport which are seen very few on the roads in the capital city.
Among the two gathering areas, some groups were seen carrying national flags in Balkhu. On the other hand, it seems that the number of people gathering in the Tinkune area wearing red caps is increasing.
Security agencies seem to be on high alert in the Kalanki-Balkhu and Tinkune areas. There is a heavy security presence in these areas. Security personnel have been deployed on both sides of the ring road. It is seen that the security personnel have specially monitored the intersections leading to the ring road.
In the inner city of Kathmandu within the ring road, there is not much presence of security personnel. The local administration has already issued a prohibition order around Sheetal Niwas, Prime Minister's residence, Minister's residence, including Maitighar inside.
There are very few public and private vehicles plying the roads in Kathmandu. Some taxis and buses are seen on the roads.
