Nepal braces for another round of ethnic protests

KATHMANDU, Feb 25 (Reuters) Nepalis rushed to stock up on fuel and essential goods today a day ahead of a planned blockade of trading routes by an ethnic group seeking more government jobs and seats in parliament.

The Madhesi People's Rights Forum said its activists would block 22 trading points from tomorrow along Nepal's border with neighbouring India, which supplies the bulk of essential goods and fuel to the landlocked country.

''We will not allow movement of any cargo and vehicle until our demands are met,'' Sita Nandan Ray of the group told Reuters.

''The government is insensitive to our demands. This is (an) undemocratic attitude,'' he added.

Long queues of vehicles formed outside fuel stations in Kathmandu.

''I have not been getting fuel for the past several days. I want to have a full tank so that I don't have a problem during the blockade,'' said Kiran Shrestha outside a gasoline station in the capital city.

At least 25 people have been killed this year in protests by Madhesis in the southern Terai region, Nepal's agricultural and industrial hub, where they are the dominant population.

The Madhesi group had suspended protests early this month after Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala pledged to concede to some of their demands. The government today urged for talks but vowed not to allow the disruption of supplies.

''We have to remain active to ensure they don't block the nation's lifeline and choke the public,'' home ministry spokesman Baman Prasad Neupane said.

Ray ruled out talks until Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula, accused of using excessive force during the protests, resigns and a probe is ordered into police crackdowns.

REUTERS SP BST1834