Biratnagar, January 28
Police have arrested a man enforcing a market shutdown in Fungling Bazaar, the district headquarters of Taplejung.
The arrested individual has been identified as 52-year-old Pradip Maden, the district coordinator of the Identity-Based Front in Taplejung. Maden was detained while attempting to enforce the market closure on Tuesday.
According to DSP Rabi Rawal of the Taplejung District Police Office, Maden was one of the leaders of Monday’s clashes.
On Monday, a confrontation occurred between identity-based activists opposing the cable car project and the police at Baludanda in the Pathibhara area. During the clash, police fired shots, injuring two individuals.
Following what they called “police suppression,” the activists opposing the cable car announced an indefinite strike in Taplejung and its entry points starting today.
The strike has disrupted four-wheeled vehicular movement. However, markets, schools, and factories remain open, according to DSP Rawal. He also mentioned that security has been heightened in response to the strike call.
