By Amar Raj Naharki, Tanahu, Dec. 2: Nepali Congress (NC) senior leader Ram Chandra Paudel has been arrested in Tanahu following a scuffle between the security forces and NC activists over inauguration of a bridge here.

The police said that leader Paudel was arrested so as to take the situation of clash between the security personnel and NC activists.

Owing to the dispute between the NC and Nepal Communist Party (NCP) in Tanahu over the inauguration of the bridge built over Buldi stream that connects Talghare of Ward no. 1 and ward 11 of Byas Municipality, a tense situation had erupted in the area.

NCP youth wing, Rastriya Yuwa Sangh had protested against the bridge inauguration by NC leader Paudel scheduled for 1 pm today.

The Sangh had carried out a demonstration in district headquarters and taken out a motorcycle rally in Damauli to protest the bridge inauguration.

To avoid possible clash between the NCP and NC activists, district administration had issued prohibitory order against gathering around the bridge.

However, a large number of NC activists had gathered around the bridge so as to ensure that the bridge was inaugurated as planned. The scuffle had erupted as the police tried to disperse the crowd from the prohibited area.