Nepalese police killed five protesters in the south of the country Tuesday as demonstrators, angry at the government’s plan to change the constitution, clashed with authorities.
Police said four people were shot dead in the town of Birjung (40 miles south of the capital Kathmandu), when protesters threw stones and petrol bombs at a police post. A fifth person was killed in a separate clash in a neighboring town of Kalaiya, reports Reuters.
A new constitution has been under review since the monarchy was abolished during a Maoist insurgency in 2008. The proposed changes would federalize the Himalayan nation, dividing it into seven states.
Supporters hope the charter will bring political stability and boost economic development in the country, which is still recovering from two devastating earthquakes earlier this year.
But the Tharu and Medhesi minorities who live in the country’s southern plains, say the proposed demarcations would marginalize their communities. In a series of protests in recent weeks, several ethnic groups have demanded statehood in the new charter.
At least 20 people have been killed in violence since the draft constitution was announced two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Hindu protesters clashed with police in front of the assembly building in Kathmandu Tuesday. They are demanding that Nepal be declared a Hindu state in the new constitution, reports the Associated Press.
[Reuters]
- The Inside Story of Princeton's Cinderella Run at March Madness
- The Case for Betting on Succession's Tom Wambsgans
- For Both Donald Trump and Alvin Bragg, the Central Park Jogger Case Was a Turning Point
- If Donald Trump Is Indicted, Here's What Would Happen Next in the Process
- Alison Roman Won't Sugarcoat It
- Why Not All Observant Muslims Fast During Ramadan
- It's Time to Say a Loving Goodbye to John Wick
- Who Should Be on the 2023 TIME100? Vote Now
- Column: Ozempic Exposed the Cracks in the Body Positivity Movement
