Political Tensions Escalate in Dang: Effigy of Balen Burned in Protest Against Flag Burning, Slogans Raised

Dang – Political tensions have intensified in Dang. Expressing dissatisfaction over an incident in which some cadres of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) burned the flag of the CPN-UML, youth and student wings affiliated with UML staged a protest. During the demonstration, they burned an effigy of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Former Mayor Balendra Sah (Balen) and chanted slogans against both RSP and Balen.

In the evening protest, participants took to the streets carrying torches in their hands. They described the act of flag burning as “political intolerance” and a “provocative activity,” strongly condemning it. Slogans such as “Maintain political civility” and “Stop attacks on political parties” were echoed during the demonstration.

Youth leaders close to UML claimed that the burning of the party flag was an attack on democratic values and the multiparty system, demanding action against those responsible. They emphasized that political competition should be based on ideas and programs, warning that symbolic acts such as burning party symbols could lead to social conflict and instability.

In view of the protest, the local administration tightened security arrangements. Police were deployed around the protest site, and the situation was reported to be under control.

Meanwhile, RSP has not yet issued an official statement regarding the flag-burning incident. As accusations and counter-accusations continue between the two sides, the political atmosphere in Dang has grown increasingly heated.

Local political analysts say that the growing intolerance and symbolic attacks among parties in recent times pose a challenge to democratic norms. They have urged all sides to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through dialogue and lawful processes.

The incident in Dang has once again sparked debate over the balance between political competition and tolerance.