Reports from the eastern town of Biratnagar say police have taken into custody a total of 137 activists affiliated to the seven party opposition alliance on Wednesday on charge of trying to disrupt municipal polls.

Those arrested include Nepali Congress central committee member and former minister Mahesh Acharya.

Security personnel had resorted to blank fire and used force when opposition activists entered into a polling center at Janapath tole and tore down ballot papers.

There has been very low turn out of voters in Biratnagar.

In terai towns of Birgunj, Gaur, Manalgawa and Jaleswore, voters turn out has been reported to be more than 40 percent.

In far-western towns, the turn out, however, has been quite low. According to preliminary reports, less than 1 percent of 50,000 eligible voters cast their ballot in Mahendranagar. In Tikapur, the turn out was one of the lowest in the country.

Meanwhile, reports said security personnel opened fire at a peaceful demonstration being carried out by the seven party opposition alliance at Ghorahi in Dang.

The CPN (UML) said its activist, Umesh Thapa, was killed and an NC activist, Krishna Giri, was injured during the firing.

Details were not immediately available. Security sources said they were still awaiting for details.

Telephone lines are down in Dang right from this morning.