Over two lakh Nepalese stranded at Kathmandu bus stand

More than two lakh Nepalese people remained stranded at the New Bus Stand in Kathmandu since days as they awaited transportation to visit their families in remote areas to celebrate Dashain, the largest festival in the country.

The transportation services have been affected due to the fuel crisis.

"Because of disruption in the vehicular movement, the Nepalese people are facing severe crisis of fuel shortages. I will discuss with the concerned officials," Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa said.

Thapa, who is on a three-day visit to India, said he would discuss massive protests in the border areas with the Indian leadership.

Thapa will today be meeting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and discuss issues concerning both the countries.

Tension between the South Asian nations has stirred up since Nepal adopted a new constitution on September 20, upsetting southern minority groups who fear being marginalised in a new federal structure.

The Madhesi community in Nepal's lowlands, many of whom trace their origins to India, have imposed an economic blockade to oppose the promulgation of the new constitution. They are against the splitting of Nepal into seven provinces.

Protesters have blocked thousands of trucks at the border with India, the main supply route into landlocked Nepal, while the road to China is still obstructed by landslides.