Tensions were high in Gorkha on Monday following a dispute over the issue of rice supply.
A clash between the two factions of the Maoists—supporters of Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and supporters of Vice Chairman Baburam Bhattarai—led to the closure of Gorkha bazaar.
The two groups clashed while submitting forms for the supply of rice of Nepal Food Corporation at Machakhola and Sirdibas depots on the last day. YCL central member Hira Bahadur Pandey was injured in the clash.
Stones hurled by the Maoist cadres close to Dr Bhattarai injured Ashok Lamichane, who went there from Kathmandu.
Akur Timilsena, Deepak Timilsena, Amrit KC and Binod Pandey of Dahal camp were also hurt in the clash. Police seized khukuris and iron rods from Bhattarai’s supporters.
Three motorcycles parked near the office of NFC were vandalised. A large number of police personnel have been mobilised to bring the situation under control.