8 killed in clash between Maoists and MJF activists in Gaur; curfew clamped (3:20 pm)
Latest reports say at least eight people including two women have been killed in a shootout between the Maoists and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) activists in Gaur, the district headquarters of Rautahat, Wednesday afternoon.
Both sides resorted to firing after a dispute over the use of an open space for their mass meetings at Mills Area. Hundreds of rounds of bullets were fired during the clash that erupted after the MJF activists dismantled the stage erected by the Maoists, reports quoting eyewitnesses said.
Six persons were killed on the spot and two others died while undergoing treatment at Gaur Hospital.
Nearly two dozen others were injured in the shootout. Some of the injured persons are said to be a critical condition.
Police officials said they were trying to confirm the identity of those killed in the incident.
Both the Maoist-affiliated Madhesi Mukti Morcha and the MJF had planned their mass meetings in the area at the same time. Maoist lawmaker Prabhu Shah and MJF chairman Upendra Yadav were to address their respective mass meetings.
The local administration has announced curfew from 2:45 pm today till 4 am Thursday in Gaur after the violence. nepalnews.com mk Mar 21 07
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