Three killed in Nepal demonstrations

At least three ethnic Madhesi protesters were killed and eight injured during violent clashes with the police in Morang district of Nepal bordering India, officials said on Friday.

The police acted as the agitating Madhesi protesters tried to attack a political rally organised by the ruling Communist Party of Nepal in Rangeli of Morang district on thursday, Xinhua quoted Deputy Superintendent of Police Tarini Prasad Lamshal as saying.

According to Lamshal, the police personnel made attempts to stop the attackers with batons and tear gas before firing live rounds into the crowd.

"However, we were forced to open fire as the protesters turned violent and attacked us," the police said.

According to the media, two protesters were killed in Rangeli and another in nearby Dainiya of Morang district.

Meanwhile, crucial talks between the Nepali government and the Madhesis could not yield any positive result on Thursday in addressing 11-point demands raised by the Madhesis which include redefining the seven provincial boundaries adopted through the new constitution.

The Madhesis have also continued blocking the major border points with India. The ethnic minority Madhesis have been launching agitation for the past five months claiming that Nepal's new constitution was not broad-based and some of the provisions would politically marginalise them.

According to the police, at least 50 protesters were killed in police firing in the Terai region of Nepal bordering India.