Supporters of the agitating Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) defied the curfew order in Birgunj and staged demonstrations at various places in Parsa on Tuesday.

At least 16 people, including seven security personnel, were injured in a clash at Maisthan. Police said two local men sustained burn injuries when protesters hurled Molotov cocktails aiming at security personnel. The SLMM supporters also used slingshots to retaliate against police, in which a constable was hurt.

The injured people were taken to Narayani Sub-regional Hospital for treatment. The protesters also set fire to the cash counter of Nepal Telecom at Ghantaghar. Police reached the scene and doused the fire. More than a dozen protesters were injured when police used batons to contain the situation.

The SLMM activists also burned tyres at Laxmana, Nagawa, Brahma Chowk, Maisthan, Murli Chowk, and Chapakaiya.

Superintendent of Police Rajubabu Shrestha said the security forces had to fire several warning shots into the air and lobbed teargas shells at Brahma Chowk and Nagawa to calm the protesters. The SLMM leaders and cadres continued their sit-in at Miteri Bridge near Nepal-India border. Birgunj has become tense after an Indian national, Aashish Ram, was killed in police firing on Monday. Police claimed that Ram was shot while participating in the ongoing Madhes protest.

SP Shrestha said Ram’s body was handed over to his family. The SLMM supporters also demonstrated in Janakpur, Dhanusha, denouncing the Birgunj

incident.

They burned tyres at different places and closed marketplaces and offices. The Madhes-centric parties also staged demonstrations in Lahan, Siraha.

Meanwhile, the Indian border security, Seema Surakshya Bal, did not allow the cargoes to enter Nepal from sunauli-Bhairahawa border, citing security concerns. A team from a US mission reached Bhairahawa border to take stock of the situation in the afternoon. The team inspected the

area and enquired local stakeholders about the situation there. The SSB also stopped Nepal-bound cargoes at Rupaidiha border point after 4pm, citing “order from higher authority”.

In Nepalgunj-Rupaidiha border point, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and security personnel at the customs office launched an integrated security inspection to prevent unlawful activities.  The Jogbani-Biratnagar border point was also sealed from Tuesday evening in view of the upcoming elections in Bihar.

43 tankers enter

DHANGADI: Nineteen fuel tankers entered Nepal from Trinagar customs point in Kailali on Tuesday. Kailali Customs Office said 14 diesel tankers and five petrol tankers entered Nepal. Similarly, 24 fuel tankers entered from Rupaidiha-Nepalgunj border.

(With inputs from our local correspondents)

US urges peaceful resolution

KATHMANDU: The United States has said it was closely following the situation in Nepal and “encourages all Nepalis to continue to engage in the democratic process through peaceful and nonviolent means.”

Responding to a query on Nepal’s situation after the Birgunj incident, during a regular press briefing at the State Department in Washing-ton on Monday, Director of Press Office Elizabeth Trudeau said, “We have seen those reports of violence and we are aware of the reports.”

“We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. And we call on Nepali security forces to exercise appropriate restraint as people exercise their democratic rights,” she said. “We urge Nepal’s leaders to reach an accommodation that builds the broadest possible support for the constitution.” (PR)