4 Madhesis injured in clashes with police in Nepal

At least four Madhesis and as many policemen were injured today when a clash erupted between them during a protest by the United Democratic Madhesi Front in Nepal's Janakpur city.

Police barred a group of United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) cadres who were allegedly vandalising the house of Nepali Congress leader and parliament member Lila Koirala at Bharmapuri in Janakpur city.

The UDMF had planned to foil the selection process of Nepali Congress booth representatives as part of the 13th general convention of the main opposition party and today's attack was part of the protests.

Police personnel were mobilised from early this morning soon after the UDMF cadres began protesting in front of NC leaders' houses in Janakpur.
 

"We had to use force after the protesters started pelting petrol bombs at us," Deputy Superintendent of Police Nakul Pokharel said.

The police fired seven rounds of tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters. The injured persons were admitted to Janaki Medical College.

Madhesis, who share strong cultural and family bonds with Indians, demand demarcation of provinces, fixing of electoral constituencies on the basis of population and proportional representation.

Life in southern plains have been seriously hit for the past five months due to the Madhesi stir, blocking key trade points with India and leading to shortage of supplies.

So far, more than 50 people have died in the agitation.