India 'deeply concerned' over deaths in police firing in Nepal

NEW DELHI: India tonight expressed "deep concern" over the deaths of three persons in police firing in Nepal's Terai region which has been witnessing protests by Madhesis and said political problems require a political solution.

"Deeply concerned at loss of 3 lives in police firing in Morang district in Nepalese Terai today. Political problems require political solution," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

In fresh violence in Nepal, three persons, including a woman, were killed today when police opened fire to quell clashes between agitating Madhesis and ruling CPN-UML youth wing cadres in a town bordering India, forcing Prime Minister K P Oli to cancel his visit there.

Madhesis, largely of Indian-origin, have been agitating for months in southern Nepal districts to oppose the new Constitution that divides the country into six federal provinces, claiming the federal structure incorporated in the new charter does not satisfy their demands.

Madhesis are also demanding fixing of electoral constituencies on the basis of population and proportional representation. So far, over 50 people have died in the protests.