Three killed as protesters clash with police in Nepal

Kathmandu:  At least three people died and a dozen were injured in clashes between police and minority protesters in Nepal Monday, officials said, the first incidence of violence since long-delayed elections were announced a fortnight ago.

The polls -- the first local elections in Nepal in nearly two decades -- have prompted threats of a boycott from the Madhesi ethnic minority, who believe they deserve a greater role in government.

A bill that would redraw federal boundaries, granting the Madhesis more political clout, has been deadlocked in parliament and protesters do not want elections to proceed until it is passed.

Local media reported police opened fire on Madhesi protesters as they tried to disrupt a rally by the main opposition party in southeast Nepal.

Gyanendra Malla, head of the local hospital where the injured were taken, told AFP three protesters died while being treated.

Another four severely injured demonstrators were still in surgery, Malla added.

Police spokesman Sarbendra Khanal had previously confirmed one dead, saying the protester had died at the scene.

"We confirm one death and a few injuries. We are still collecting data from local officials about the injuries," he said.

The Madhesis, who live in Nepal's southern plains and share close linguistic and cultural ties with India, have long complained of being marginalised by the Kathmandu-centric political establishment.

Laxman Lal Karna, the leader of one Madhesi political party, told AFP his people felt alienated and had taken to the streets to demand their rights.

The Madhesi parties, which are part of a Maoist-led coalition government, were considering withdrawing their support in response to the violence, he added.

Madhesi protesters staged a months-long border blockade after a new constitution was passed in 2015, leading to a crippling shortage of essential goods in landlocked Nepal.

More than 50 people died in clashes between police and demonstrators until parliament voted to amend the constitution to address some of the protesters' demands.