Nepal police fire on Madhesi protesters, two killed

KATHMANDU, Feb 4 (Reuters) Police opened fire today on protesters from the ethnic Madhesi community demanding autonomy in southeast Nepal, killing at least two people, officials and witnesses said.

Demonstrations by supporters of the Madhesi People's Rights Forum, a group that represents people living in Nepal's southern plains, have hit the impoverished Himalayan nation over the past two weeks. At least 17 people have been killed.

The protests have also clouded peace moves between the government and Maoists aimed at ending a decade-old conflict, which has killed more than 13,000 people.

The latest deaths occurred at Malangawa, 100 km southeast of Kathmandu when protesters attacked police, prompting them to fire at the crowd, a town official said.

In nearby Birgunj, a commercial and business hub 60 km southeast of Kathmandu, tens of thousands of protesters tried to march towards the main government building in the town, where at least five protesters were wounded in police firing.

''Police had to open fire in self defence as protesters tried to storm the district administration office,'' Shambhu Koirala, chief administrator of Birgunj, said.

Witnesses said protesters shouting ''Long Live Madhesi Unity!'' and ''Fulfil the genuine demands of the Madhesi people!'' carried bamboo sticks and spears as they marched.

In Biratnagar, home town of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, protesters beat up local journalists, Nepali television channels reported. Authorities said at least three towns were under curfew today.

The Madhesi group says ruling elites dominated by people from the northern hills have kept them out of jobs in the government, police and army, and seats in Nepal's interim parliament. They want an autonomous region for the southern plains within a federal state.

The government says it is ready for talks but protest leaders insist Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula, whom they accuse of using excessive force, must resign before any negotiations take place.

REUTERS MS RAI2236