Local authorities in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts have urged residents of the capital vally to avoid pillion riding between Feb. 4-11, this year citing security reasons.

In a joint statement issued Friday, local administrations in the capital valley said the request had been made with a view to maintain security in the run up to the municipal polls slated on February 8.

The decision by the local authorities comes days after two assailants, who were riding on a motorbike, opened fire and injured Dal Bahadur Rai, a candidate for deputy mayor of the Lalitpur municipality early this week.

Critics, however, said the new provision may cause inconvenience to tens of thousands of people within the capital valley.