Birgunj, September 20

One protester was killed in police firing when United Democratic Madhesi Front agitators defied curfew and staged a rally in Birgunj to protest the promulgation of new constitution today.

Shatrudhan Patel died after a bullet fired by police hit him in head while the agitators clashed with police personnel at Maisthan Gitamandir in Birgunj. Patel, who was critically injured, breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Narayani Sub-regional Hospital in Birgunj. As many as six protesters were injured in the incident.

Eleven agitators were hurt when the police baton charged them. Critically injured Mansi Raut Kurmi and Bijay Yadav have been airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment, while the remaining are being treated at Narayani Sub-regional Hospital, Birgunj.

Various places in Birgunj witnessed clashes between police and agitators. UDMF had staged rally at Bus Park, Ghantaghar, Linkroad, Mahabirsthan, Ranighat, among other places. A huge number of people had come from rural areas to participate in the rallies.

Three police personnel, including Inspector Sekh Adalat, were injured after agitators hurled stones at them. SP Diwesh Lohani said police were forced to open fire when the agitators tried to stage a rally defying the curfew.