Two Madhesis killed in fresh violence

KATHMANDU: Two Madhesi protesters were killed in police firing and 44 others in fresh clashes at two different places in Saptari district of Nepal on Saturday night.

The incident, which comes after weeks of lull in violent protests could affect talks between the newly elected government and Madhes-based parties that are protesting against the country’s new constitution.

According to the police, the incident occurred when Madhesi protesters targeted passenger and freight vehicles being escorted by police at Bhardah and Rupani on the East West highway.

“Around 11 pm, Madhesi protesters started pelting stones, bottles and petrol bombs at us and the vehicles being escorted. We had no option but to retaliate,” said district police chief Bhim Prasad Dhakal.

“Areas close to the highway are restricted for public between 9pm and 7am. But Madhesi protesters violated the restrictions, blocked the highway and targeted vehicles,” said Dhakal.

Two protesters, Virendra Ram and Nageshwar Yadav, were killed in police firing. Nineteen protesters and 25 policemen sustained injuries.

The district administration has imposed curfew at three places — Bhardah, Rupani and parts of Rajbiraj — to bring the situation under control.

Violence continued on Sunday as protesters torched two motorcycles and a truck in Saptari and Dhanusha districts. The official vehicle of Saptari police chief was burnt and a concrete bridge was damaged as well.

Madhesi lawmakers belonging to parties under the United Democratic Madhesi Forum banner disrupted proceedings of parliament on Sunday forcing Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar to postpone the session till November 26.

“The Saptari incident shows that instead of being serious about resolving the ongoing crisis through talks, the government seems interested in pushing the country into fresh crisis by using force against peaceful demonstrators,” said Chairman of Federal Socialist Forum Upendra Yadav.