Tension erupted as the riot police stopped protesters, seeking more rights and representation in Nepal’s new Constitution, from moving towards the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar to press for their demands.
Three of the agitators had to be admitted to hospital after the clash, said the agitating groups. Several others received minor injuries.
Hundreds of riot policemen were guarding the PM’s residence since early morning to stop the cadres of Federal Alliance, a grouping of 29 political parties, to reach the spot.
After protesting outside Singha Durbar, the country’s main administrative centre, for two consecutive days, the Federal Alliance decided to picket outside PM’s residence.
Around 500 to 600 people gathered in the area for staging sit-in. Madhesi leaders Mahendra Raya Yadav, Sharad Singh Bhandari and Upendra Mahato also joined them.
Oli on Monday warned that the government will not keep quiet if the protests become violent.
The major demands of Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, include re-demarcation of the seven province model of federal structure, inclusiveness and proportionate representation of marginalised groups and ethnic minorities including the Madhesis, indigenous groups and dalits in all the state bodies.
Meanwhile, extending support to the agitating ethnic groups, Nepali Congress General Secretary Shashanka Koirala has asked the government to resolve the issues raised by the protesters.