Indian Killed in Clash Between Nepal Police and Protesters

One person killed as Nepal police and Madhesi protesters clash in the Indo-Nepal border town of Birgunj.

Police and Madhesi protesters clashed at the Indo-Nepal border region of Birgunj. (Photo: AP)

One Indian was killed in the clashes between Nepal police and protesters in the Indo-Nepal border region of Raxaul.

The deceased has been identified as Ashish Kumar from Darbhanga, Bihar. He was a second year BA student.

The Prime Minister spoke to his counterpart in Nepal, KP Oli and Nepal’s ambassador to India was summoned.

Madhesi protesters throw stones at Nepal police in Birgunj. (Photo: AP)

<p>We are deeply concerned about the reports of firing in Birgunj. An innocent Indian was also killed in the firing.</p>

<p><b>Indian Ministry of External Affairs Statement</b></p>

Nepal police baton-charged Madhesi protesters and evicted them from a crucial bridge on the Indo-Nepal border.

After the pre-dawn swoop, the main Birgunj-Raxaul border trading point was opened for the first time in 40 days.

Tire set on fire by Madhesi protesters in Birgunj. (Photo: AP)

Five protesters were arrested when the police intervened at around 4.30am at the point through which about 70 percent of bilateral trade is done, Nepal Home Ministry Spokesperson Laxmi Prasad Dhakal said.

<p>Issues facing Nepal are political in nature and cannot be resolved by force. Causes underlying the present state of confrontation need to addressed by the Government of Nepal credibly and effectively.<br></p>

<p><b>Indian Ministry of External Affairs Statement</b></p>

Madhesis – who claim to represent the interests of the Indian-origin inhabitants of Nepal’s Terai region (plains) – have been protesting close to the main trading point near Raxaul. Their agitation has led to a halt in the supply of essential goods, causing an acute shortage of fuel in Nepal.

Close to 40 Indian truck drivers were stranded on the Nepalese side of the border due to the blockade.

The truck drivers had staged a protest at the Indian Consulate office in Birgunj over the past few days to return to India.

<p>Indian freight forwarders and transporters have voiced their worries again today about the deteriorating situation across the border. We are advising them to exercise caution and not put themselves in danger.<br></p>

<p><b>Indian Ministry of External Affairs Statement</b></p>

Vehicles waiting for clearance to enter Nepal have formed a queue of around 15 km, Dhakal said.

(With PTI inputs.)