KATHMANDU, August 30: The main opposition UML has denounced attacks on the party's election campaign in Janakpur on Tuesday. Cadres of Rastriya Janta Party Nepal (RJPN) had pelted stones at the UML supporters during a mass gathering that was being addressed by senior party leaders including former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.
RJPN supporters had resorted to violence after unsuccessfully trying to stop Nepal from entering the event premises, Shantibatika, at local Biradi Chowk. UML concluded the rally amid demonstrations of the RJPN cadres.
In a statement issued hours after the incident, UML criticized the local administration for failing to provide enough security. The party demanded the government to punish the 'unruly mob'. The statement makes no mention of RJPN. The party has also drawn attention of the Election Commission to properly enforce the election code of conduct.
RJPN's local chapter has taken the responsibility of the attack. RJPN leader Sanjay Singh said that the demonstration was organized to protest against UML's stance on the constitution amendment. The amendment bill was defeated in the parliament after UML voted against it.
"We will not let the party (UML) organize any election programs in Madhes as it voted against the constitution amendment bill,” Singh told Republica.
District Police Office said three RJPN supporters were detained after they clashed with security forces while the latter was escorting UML leaders including former PM Nepal.
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