Kathmandu: Several people were injured on Friday as a clash broke out between locals and Pokhara City Police personnel over a religious event organized by the Manav Sewa Foundation at Lakeside.
The violence erupted after municipal authorities opposed the Bhumi Pujan Maha Yagya, citing that the event was being conducted on disputed land without the necessary permission from Pokhara Metropolitan City. Police were deployed outside the Kotihom area to prevent the ceremony from proceeding, leading to a confrontation that resulted in injuries on both sides.
The Manav Sewa Foundation had planned to hold the Kotihom event at Barahighat, but authorities remained firm that the ceremony could not take place at Lakeside under any circumstances.
Foundation founder Bijay Bhandari stated that they are determined to carry out the Kotihom event despite resistance. “We will hold the ceremony and return from Pokhara, regardless of the situation,” Bhandari said.
Local officials have not yet commented on whether further action will be taken regarding the disputed land. The situation remains tense as authorities monitor the area to prevent further escalation.