One killed as Nepal police fire on Madhesi protesters

Kathmandu, Feb 17 : One person was killed as Nepal police opened fire at protesters, who defied curfew orders in Nepalgunj on Sunday.

Police baton-charged and used teargas shells to disperse the protesters, and when the mob could not be controlled the police fired live rounds.

While 13 protesters and five policemen were injured in the incident, one of the injured succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

The United Madhesi Democratic Front (UMDF) has enforced an indefinite strike in Terai region. The UMDF cadres carried out protests in different parts of Nepalgunj from early morning.

The authorities of Banke District have imposed curfew in Nepalgunj and surrounding areas to check violence from spreading.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has reiterated his resolve to end Terai crisis through talks.

"We have reached this far through talks. We will have to move ahead from here through talks (with Madhesi groups) again," Nepalnews quoted Koirala, as saying.

He further said that he would not agree to any demand that compromises national sovereignty and integrity.

ANI