Locals declare Satungal off-limits for Maoists

Harried locals retaliated on Tuesday after a gang of bandh enforcers vandalised a motorcycle carrying a patient to a hospital, in Satungal. They have declared the area restricted zone for Maoists and warned of dire consequences if they attack the public henceforth.“Maoist excesses have gone too far. We are on alert to prevent bandh enforcers from entering Satungal and will retaliate as and when necessary,” Min Prasad Chhetri, a local said. “We will not let them take us hostage.” DSP Bhola Rawal, incharge, Metropolitan Police Circle, Kalimati said the retaliation against excesses perpetrated by supporters of the general strike in Satungal and Naikap was spontaneous. “The locals reacted in anger after the Maoists stopped a motorcycle, which
was on the way to hospital and vandalised it at around 10:30 am,” he informed. “Police responded to the situation promptly and brought the situation under control”.DSP Kedar Dhakal, Metropolitan Police Range, Hanumandhoka informed that Bijaya Singh Lama and Jeet Bahadur Lama from Makawanpur and Hira Bahadur Lama were injured when more than 3,000 locals in Satungal retaliated against Maoists’ excesses today.
Bijaya’s condition is said to be critical and he has been sent to Neuro Hospital, Bansbari, while, Jeet and Hira have been referred to Armed Police Force Hospital.
He was found unconscious by a team of human rights activists and handed over to Metropolitan Police Circle, Balaju. He is undergoing treatment at Nepal Police Hospital, Maharajgunj.
Security was beefed up after the Maoists called for more reinforcement.