Madhesi leaders demand inquiry into Janaki temple clashes

Janakpur, Dec 18 (ANI): Madhesi leaders strongly condemned the police action on devotees outside Janaki Temple and demanded an inquiry into the incident. On December 16, police fired tear gas and baton charged devotees and Madhesi protesters opposing the visit of Nepal President Bidya Bhandari on the occasion of Ram-Janaki Bibaha Mahotsav. Around 40 people, including tourists from India, sustained injuries during the clashes with Nepal police. For almost four months, the plains of the Nepal Terai have been simmering with protests against the country's new constitution that was adopted by on September 20. Even after several rounds of talks between the Nepal government, opposition Nepali Congress and agitating Madhesi parties, they have failed to arrive at any conclusion. Madhesis have now threatened to intensify their agitation.