Hundreds of Madhesi demonstrators on Sunday scuffled with Nepal police as they tried to stage a sit-in and resumed protests against the controversial new Constitution, demanding more rights, adequate representation and re-demarcation of provincial boundaries.
Traffic movement in the capital was disrupted in the vicinity of Singhdurbar, the main administrative complex of the country, for hours due to the protest. About 2,000 protesters carrying placards with anti- government and pro-Madhesi slogans gathered at Singhdurbar and Nayabaneshwor areas, an hour before the government offices opened.
They forcefully tried to enter the prohibited areas, triggering a scuffle with riot police who were deployed to guard the important Government offices.
The leaders and cadres of Federal Alliance, the grouping of seven Madhes-based political parties and 22 other ethnic groups, also joined protesters.
Chairman of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, Upendra Yadav led the protests at Maitighar Mandala and Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato at Hanumanthah.
There was heavy presence of security personnel in the area since early morning to prevent any untoward incident. 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.