Convoys roll as Nepal strike ends

Lorries have been forced to queue for fuel in many parts of Nepal

Overland supplies of fuel and other essential items to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, are resuming after an ethnic-rights group ended a blockade.

Leaders of the Madheshi community from Nepal's southern plains agreed a deal with the government on Thursday, ending weeks of agitation for more rights.

The deal gives the Madheshis greater autonomy and political representation.

Violent protests in the southern plains had cut off fuel supplies to Nepal's capital and forced up food prices.

Under the deal agreed on Thursday, the Madheshis also revoked a threat to boycott elections due to be held in April.

The general election is seen as a key step towards consolidating the fragile peace process that ended a decade-old Maoist insurgency in 2006.