The agitators said that they decided to ease off their protest until Sunday evening in view of the upcoming Krishna Janmasthami festival.After the news spread at 3 pm, Friday, large number of people were seen in the open areas, roads and markets of Lamahi in Deukhuri.
Strike in Dang, that started from August 12 had crippled the normal life of the locals. Schools, colleges, public offices and market places were completely shut for the entire three weeks.
"I was getting short of daily needs. Had the strike stretched out further, living for us would have been very difficult. Now, I can finally buy food for my family," said Raju Basnet, a local.
Basnet, who owns a dairy shop, said that the strike had completely ruined his business.
"It's almost a month since the business in completely down. I have no idea how I am going to pay the rent for my shop," he said.
According to Hari Lal Chaudhary, coordinator of the agitating groups in Deukhuri area, the strike will not be enforced from five in the morning until eight in the evening.
"All shops, market area and transportation will be allowed to open at daytime. However, the strike will resume through the night," said Chaudhary.
Demanding an autonomous Tharu region, the party cadres have already announced to carry out the strike till September 17.
On Friday afternoon, before the strike was relaxed, the agitating party cadres in Deukhuri pelted stones to half a dozen public vehicles for disobeying their orders.
According to the police, two locals have been injured in the attack.
"The protestors attacked the vehicles just after the police patrol returned to its base after completing its duty," said Laxman Bahadur Sahi, Inspector at Lamhi Area Police Station.
Protesters declare 'Autonomous Tharuhat Council' in villages
The agitators demanding a separate Tharuhat province have put up boards that read 'Autonomous Tharuhat Council' in village areas of Deukuri, where they enjoy popular support and have majority of population. They have also declared the locals bodies as being under the command of the council. Several wards and VDCs of Deukhuri have been painted with similar slogans.
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