Sundarijal tensed over army- locals scuffle

SUNDARIJAL: Sundarijal area in Kathmandu has got tense since Tuesday evening after the protectors who are to give security to the citizens themselves turned destroyers.

The area is tense after altercation erupted between local youths with army personnel of the Singhanath Battalion while drinking alcohol in a hotel Tuesday evening.

Irate locals stopped army vehicles from this morning and returned the passengers buses as well from Sundarijal Bus Park.

They have demanded removal of the Singhanath Battalion from Sundarijal area by burning tires. Civil and Armed Police have surrounded the area not to allow skirmishes between locals and the army.

Talks are to be held between locals, political party representatives and the army for resolving the problem, said DSP of the Metropolis Police Circle Boudha, Manoj Kumar KC.

Locals Anil Shrestha, his mother Tulsimaya Shrestha, Kanchha Tamang, and Antare Lama among one dozen people were injured in the fight Tuesday, said one witness, Ram Bahadur Tamang.

The injured are undergoing treatment at Nepal Medical College, Jorpati.

Sundarijal Police Chief and Sub-Inspector Lilaraj Shrestha was also injured while mediating the brawl, said DSP KC. Two jawans of the Battalion are also injured but the names have not been revealed.

Locals have been demanding action on the Battalion Commander as well. Asked on this, the battalion commander declined to comment.