Demonstrations continue in Saptari after lifting of curfew; Continuous strike still in effect in mid-west and far-west

Demonstrations were carried out Saptari's Bhardaha today as well. Cadres of the Madheshi Front came back on the streets again after the curfew imposed at 4p.m. yesterday was lifted at 5a.m. today. Protesters set fire to the police beat at Bhardaha crossroads and two motorcycles. Their demands include martyrdom declaration to Rajiv Raut- who was killed in course of clashes with police yesterday, compensation to his family, and probe into the incident. Protests were staged at Saptari's Rajbiraj, Kalyanpur and Kanchanpur among other places as well. With demand of 'One Madhesh- One Pradesh', the United Madheshi Front has been enforcing the strike in 22 districts of Terai region. Districts more affected by the strike include Dhanusha, Mahottari, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Siraha, Saptari, Bara and Parsa. All operation of transport, business and educational institutions is completely shut in these districts, while cadres of the Front have intensified protest at Mahottari's headquarters Jaleshwor as well.