RAJBIRAJ, April 6: While the election date is inching closer, security threat has been a great challenge conducting the polls in Saptari district.
Various disgruntled Madhes-based parties have warned to disrupt the local level election if it takes place without the government agreeing on the several issues they have raised.
On Tuesday, the Jay Krishna Goit-led Janatantrik Tarai Mukti Morcha- Revolutionary placed socket bombs in the houses of two businessmen in the district headquarters, Rajbiraj. As soon as the news broke, a press release was sent to the local media persons that said, “We are seeking donations as we need money to disrupt the elections but two particular businessmen declined our request. They further reported the matter to the police. So, we were provoked to take such action.”
Saptari locals terrified as UML-UDMF clash looms
The Goit-led group is found to be active in Saptari these days though not in other districts of Tarai/Madhes. From local businessmen to local schools, all have been terrorized by the cadres of Goit. In its press release, Goit has announced to use arms to disrupt the local elections.
The government’s security agencies have ranked Saptari as one among the most sensitive districts in terms of security. According to experts, a political agreement between the government and United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) before the elections could ease the situation. Saptari has been kept in the list of security-sensitive areas due to the ongoing protests of UDMF, threats of armed groups to oppose the elections, as well as open border issues and various activities of the cadres of CK Raut.
But according to experts and security officers, such groups and organizations can be less of a threat if the government can bring the UDMF on board the election process through an agreement. They even claim that such organizations cannot dare to obstruct elections after government settles its issues with the UDMF. “Election will no more be a challenge if the issues between the government and UDMF are resolved,” said Krishna Bahadur Katuwal, Chief District Officer, Saptari.
Chief of Sapatari police, SP Anurag Dwivedi also thinks that an agreement between the UDMF and the government can solve the security problems in the district. “The security situation in Saptari is not as serious as being told outside and local elections are still possible but only after the agreement between the government and UDMF,” said SP Dwivedi.
