Curfew re-imposed in Nepal town

By Charles Haviland
BBC News, Kathmandu

Eyewitnesses said the boy was shot by Maoists

A curfew has been re-imposed in a town in southern Nepal following further violence sparked by the death of a 16-year-old boy last Friday.

Eyewitnesses say another person was killed and 30 injured in Lahan when police opened fire on Monday. Police have not confirmed this.

Top party leaders in Kathmandu have launched an inquiry into the incident.

The unrest saw protesters pitted against both police officers and Maoist party activists.

'Discrimination'

Tensions in Lahan, where 16-year-old Ramesh Mahato was killed, rose again when thousands of angry demonstrators surrounded a police station.

Those present say the police opened fire, killing one person and injuring about 30 others, several of whom are receiving hospital treatment.

The police did not immediately offer any comment.

The protesters are unhappy because they say the people in southern areas of Nepal have been discriminated against.

They allege the country's new constitution does nothing for them.

Eyewitnesses said the teenager killed on Friday was among demonstrators when he was shot by Maoists trying to pass a road blockade.

After an emergency meeting, leaders of the ruling parties and the Maoists - who are now sitting in parliament after ending their insurgency - have announced financial compensation for the boy's family and set up an inquiry into the violence.

Meanwhile most public transport around the country was at a standstill on the second day of a strike called by transport entrepreneurs.

They are protesting at the widespread vandalism of their vehicles, including in Lahan.