One protester killed by police shots in course of clash in Sapatari's Bhardaha

One person was killed in course of standoff between protesters and police during the strike enforced in the Terai region by the United Madheshi Front. Local Rajiv Raut has been identified as the deceased who was killed by bullets fired by the police at Bhardaha in Saptari. The clash has also left locals Dipak Shah and Dev Narayan Bishwas seriously injured. Police had to resort to firing shots after protesters in strength of 700 picketed the Area Police Office in Bhardaha and started firing and throwing petrol bombs at the office, according to DSP Narayan Chimariya. He said the police had only fired the bullets in self-defence. The security personnel also fired 30 rounds of tear gas shells and fired 23 rounds of bullets in air to bring the situation under control. The violence has left seven police personnel injured. Elsewhere, clash between protesters and police personnel has also occurred in Kapilvastu's Taulihawa. The clash ensued arson carried out by the protesters at the Land Revenue Office and Home and Small Scale Industries Office. Police had fired tear gas shells and plastic bullets to contain the situation, which left eight protesters injured. The Front of Madhesh-centred parties has enforced the strike in the Terai districts with demand of 'One Madhesh- One Pradhesh'. Districts including Dhanusha, Mahottari, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Siraha, Saptari, Bara and Parsa have been most affected by the strike. Transport, business and academic institutions have remained completely shut in these districts. Meanwhile, the local administration has imposed a curfew from 4p.m. today to 5 a.m. tomorrow at Bhardaha in Saptari.