DAMAK, FEBRUARY 10, 2026 – High-voltage political tension has gripped Jhapa Constituency No. 5 following violent clashes between supporters of the CPN-UML and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The confrontation occurred late Tuesday morning in Damak, a stronghold of UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, as rival campaign processions encountered each other near the main market area.
The situation escalated rapidly after a war of words turned into physical altercations, prompting the District Police to intervene. According to local witnesses, stones were pelted from both sides, leading to minor injuries among several cadres. To prevent the situation from spiraling further, security forces deployed multiple rounds of tear gas and used light baton charges to disperse the agitated crowds.
Escalating Campaign Hostility
Jhapa-5 has become the “Epicenter” of the 2026 General Election, featuring a high-stakes battle between former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra (Balen) Shah, who is the RSP’s Prime Ministerial candidate.
Vandalism Reported: Just days prior to this clash, the contact office of Balen Shah in Kamal Rural Municipality-2 was vandalized by unidentified individuals, with window panes shattered in a late-night incident.
Security Heightened: Following today’s clash, the Jhapa District Administration has declared several areas in Damak and Kamal as “Highly Sensitive” and has deployed additional Armed Police Force (APF) units to maintain peace.
The Battle for the Bastion
While KP Sharma Oli has dominated this constituency for decades, the entry of Balen Shah—backed by the “Gen Z Movement”—has significantly disrupted traditional voting patterns.
UML Strategy: The UML has mobilized its grassroots committees, emphasizing the infrastructure development brought by Oli during his premiership.
RSP Strategy: The RSP is focusing on door-to-door campaigns and digital outreach. Notably, Balen’s wife, Sabina Kafle, has been actively participating in local rallies, while Balen himself is expected to return to Jhapa shortly after concluding his nationwide “Alternative Force” tour.
Call for Restraint
The Election Commission (EC) has taken note of the violence and has urged both candidates to strictly adhere to the Election Code of Conduct. “Violence has no place in a democracy. We have directed the local administration to take stern action against anyone found inciting unrest,” a spokesperson for the EC stated in Kathmandu.
As of Tuesday evening, a heavy police presence remains in Damak, and the local administration has prohibited large gatherings for the next 24 hours to ensure the safety of citizens.