The Nepalese government's attempts to find a solution to escalating violence in the southern part of the country suffered a serious setback Saturday with at least one protestor reported killed in confrontations with the police, reported Deutsche Presse Agentur dpa. Reports said police shot dead a protestor defying curfew in the commercial city of Birgunj, about 90 kilometres south of Kathmandu. Elsewhere, a breakaway Maoist faction - Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM), who are seeking independence - attacked a police post in south-east Nepal, making off with weapons. Independent Kantipur FM radio said the worst of the clashes occurred in Birjung, where hundreds of activists belonging to Madhesi People's Rights Forum (MPRF) defied a curfew and fought running street battles with police. Police fired dozens of teargas shells before opening fire on the demonstrators to try to bring the situation under control, the radio said. At least 20 people were reported wounded.
