RAJBIRAJ: Two persons were killed and dozens injured in violent clashes between security personnel and protesters at Bhardaha and Rupani along the East-West Highway of Saptari district on Saturday night.

Police reportedly resorted to firing after the cadres of United Democratic Madhesi Front obstructed the highway. The clash erupted at around 10:00 pm when police tried to clear the highway for passenger vehicles that were being escorting.

The deceased have been identified as Birendra Ram (18) of Batanaha and Nageshwar Yadav (27) of Madhepura-9 of Jamuni.

The ones who are seriously injured have been taken to the Dharan-based BP Koirala Institution of Health Sciences for treatment.

Following the incidents, the District Administration Office imposed an indefinite curfew from the Koshi barrage to Bhardaha, Kanchanpur, Rupani and Kadmaha road-section along the East-West highway and in the district headquarters Rajbiraj, according to Superintendent of Police Bhim Prasad Dhakal at Saptari District Police Office.

Meanwhile, the demonstrators have set a motorcycle ablaze in Rupani this morning.

The rider of motorcycle (SA 4 PA 5311) was on his way towards Rajbiraj from Gaighat when the incident took place, police said.

The motorcycle was completely destroyed in the arson.