TENSIONS RUN HIGH IN NEPAL AS PROVINCIAL CAPITALS FIXED

ran high in parts of Nepal, including the Terai region bordering India, on Thursday following protests over some of the seven provincial capitals named by the government and dozens were injured in clashes between protesters and security forces.

Minor clashes were reported from several places, and curfew was imposed in the eastern city of Dhankuta to bring the situation under control.

The government on Wednesday named the governors of the seven provinces and selected the provincial capitals as part of efforts to put in place the provincial assemblies and governments elected in December. The bodies are expected to begin functioning after two weeks.

Fixing the provincial capitals is essential for administering the oath of office and secrecy to the newly elected lawmakers and chief ministers in the provinces.

There was tension in Dhankuta from Thursday morning over the government decision’s to select Biratnagar as the capital of Province no 1. Protestors demanded the government revoke its decision, and at least 17 people were injured in the city during a clash between protestors and security personnel.

After the protestors started setting fire to government buildings, including the high court and a hospital, the administration clamped indefinite curfew.

Birgunj, along the border with India, was tense after the government declared Janakpur the capital of Province no 2. Two Madhesbased parties are set to form government in this province.

Several other cities also witnessed protests ahead of elections to the upper house of Parliament scheduled for February 7 in all seven provinces. HTC

KATHMANDU:Tensions