INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
KATHMANDU: A clash ensued between police and locals at Pulchok as the latter started Machhindranath Jatra by pulling the chariot defying
prohibitory orders on Thursday.
See Gallery: Clash between locals, police as former start Machhindranath Jatra defying prohibitory
order
Locals thronged in a large number without any prior notice
Police after failing to reason with the people present in thousands resorted to the use of water canons in a bid to disperse the crowd
A few rounds of tear gas shells were also fired.
The locals then retorted by pelting stones at the police vehicles.
At present, security
personnel have taken the situation under control and have cordoned the area where the chariot stands
Personnel from Armed Police Force too have been deployed in the area for security.
The Machhindranath Jatra or the Bunga Dya#7717; Jatra
that was due to take place in April has been deferred this year due to the coronavirus pandemic
The chariot has been standing stranded at Pulchok for months now.
It is believed that the chariot must be taken to Bungmati before the
Malamas which will begin at around mid-Spetember in 2020.
Due to the pandemic, many festivities in the valley have been cancelled this year
The ongoing Yeny#257; (Indrajatra) too is being observed amid low-key festivities.
The post Pulchok tense after locals pull Machhindranath
chariot defying prohibitory orders appeared first on The Himalayan Times.
