Kathmandu: Nepalese police shot dead two protesters on Sunday in the country's southern region while trying to foil a rally against a new constitution, officials said.
Police fired at two places in Saptari district, 150 km southeast of Kathmandu, where protesters were defying prohibitory orders and blocking a highway, a police official from district capital Rajbiraj said.
"We were forced to fire in self-defence after protesters began hurling petrol bombs, empty bottles, stones and sticks at police," he said. More than 40 people, including 25 police, were injured.
"One protester was killed at Bhardaha and another at Rupani," he said.
Madhesi or midland people who live along the Nepal-India border are protesting the country's new constitution adopted in September this year.
They say the country's first Republican Charter does not consider their interests.
Protesters have blockaded lorries transporting goods from India more than two months. This has affected supply of essential commodities, fuel and medicines.
Nepal has said New Delhi supports protesters. India denies this accusation.
QNA
