Morcha obstructs UML programme in Saptari Supporters of the Madhesi Morcha protest in Saptari on Friday. Post photo Mar 4, 2017- Supporters of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha obstructed the Mechi-Mahakali campaign of the CPN-UML, and misbehaved with local leaders of the main opposition party, in Saptari on Friday. They hurled stones at the vehicle of UML lawmaker Ranju Kumari Jha in Rajbiraj. Jha, who is also the chairperson of the Women, Children, Senior Citizens and Social Welfare Committee of Legislature-Parliament, had reached the district to attend the party programme. Morcha supporters smeared soot on the face of UML district member and former District Development Committee member Pratap Narayan Chaudhary at Machha Hatiya in Rajbiraj. Protesters carrying black flags also burnt UML flags at Tetarigachhi Chowk. Supporters of the Madhes-based parties organised protests at various places in the district to foil the campaign. Govinda Neupane, district chairman of the UML, said the Morcha supporters misbehaved with their supporters. “The attempt of the Morcha leaders and supporters to bar us from holding a programme is a sign of lawlessness. We will stand firm against such activities,” said Neupane. SLMM Saptari coordinator Dinesh Kumar Yadav denied their involvement in the incident. He said that the public perception of the UML as an anti-Madhes party could have led the locals to create obstructions. Following the incident, security has been heightened in the district. The Saptari party committee of the UML accused Morcha supporters of looting Rs14,000 from district Secretary Shambhu Yadav. According to the party’s statement, Morcha supports snatched a bag which Yadav was carrying. Yadav said they also threatened his wife Indu that they would torch their house in Nargho-8. However, the SLMM has denied the allegations.
