Govt, UDFM responsible for Saptrari incident: Bhim Acharya

KATHMANDU, March 8: Secretary of CPN-UML, Bhim Acharya claimed Madhesi Front, distraught by the CPN-UML’s mass meeting in Madhes, had conspired to stop Mechi-Mahakali National Campaign.

Speaking during a face to face program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal today he said, “Mechi Mahakali National Campaign was organized to clear the negative impression about UML portrayed among the people of Terai-Madhes. Madhesi leaders got troubled by our campaign and constructed the conspiracy to stop our program.”

He also blamed United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and the government to be responsible for the Saptari incident.

“We did not want our campaign to cause any casualties. There were about 10 thousand UML supporters along with 1,500 police. We could have resisted when 300 to 400 UDMF cadres started pelting stones at the mass meeting. But we were patient because our campaign was not aimed to create violence in Madhes,” he said.

He also warned that UML would no longer remain silent if UDMF cadres tries to obstruct their campaign re-starting from March 10.

The campaign was put off for three days following a police firing in Rajbiraj that left four dead and dozens injured.

Acharya also urged the government to investigate the Saptari incident and bring the hidden realities behind Saptari firing into public.