Kathmandu: At least five protesters were killed and many injured in Nepal's southern plain on Tuesday during agitations against the proposed seven-province model in the Himalayan nation, taking the toll to 20 in two weeks. Nepal has been witnessing deadly clashes over the federalism model. Four protesters died during a violent clash in Birgunj of Parsa district on Tuesday. The toll in Birgunj rose to five, as another person was killed on Monday during a clash with police. Meanwhile, in Kalaiya, headquarters of Bara district, a person died and 17 were injured during a clash with security personnel on Tuesday.

Hifajat Miyan, of Kalaiya-10 area, died after being hit by a bullet fired by police at protesters during the clash. The demonstrators took away Miyan's body. Three protesters injured in clashes with police at Laxmanuwa Chok in Birgunj died during treatment. Dinanath Sah and Bhola Prasad Sah, who sustained bullet injuries during the clash, succumbed at the National Medical College Hospital, its in-charge Dililp Sah said. Another man named Sohan Kalwar died on the spot during a clash in Naguwa Chok, while the name of the fourth person killed in Birgunj on Tuesday was not immediately known. Around a dozen people including Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Loktantrik (MJF-L) central member Ameri Lal Pal Raut were injured.

Meanwhile, the local administration declared Birgunj a riot-hit area. Police opened fire during a clash with protesters on Tuesday afternoon in Birgunj Sub-Metropolitan City-16. Cadres of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha demonstrated in various parts in Birgunj, defying the indefinite curfew enforced by the administration since 4 p.m. on Monday. Police also fired at the protesters when they reached the District Development Committee office, leading to injuries to many people.

(IANS)