Maoists seize Dhankuta Municipality; mayors, office bearers 'appointed'

KANTIPUR REPORT

The appointments have been made as per the people's constitution

DHANKUTA, NOV 02 - The following day the major opposition UCPN (Maoist) launched its second-phase protest against the government, its cadres have seized Dhankuta Municipality in eastern Nepal, and 'appointed' mayor and other office bearers.

The Maoist cadres barged in the municipality this morning and captured it. As per the schedule of Maoist protest, they had gone to stage a sit-in outside the office.

After the seizure, Maoist district deputy in-charge Pushpa Dhungana announced that Ganesh Bista has been appointed as the mayor, and Kavita Rai Kandangwa as the deputy mayor of the municipality. Nine others have been picked up as members.

Dhungana administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Maoist nominees.

The appointments have been made as per the people's constitution, claimed he.