Negotiations fail to end Nepal protests

The main group of protesters opposing Nepal's new constitution said its negotiations with the government failed to reach a resolution yesterday even as a punishing border blockade continued to squeeze the country.

Laxman Lal Karna from the United Democratic Madhesi Front said talks with the government would resume today, adding the government negotiators failed to present a solid proposal to end the protests.

The activity in southern Nepal bordering India has stalled normal life in the area for several weeks and stopped the flow of fuel and supplies to the country's north, including the capital.

"We had set some preconditions which the government had promised to fulfill but failed. We will not end our protests until our political demands are fulfilled," Karna said.

Their demands included free treatment of the injured protesters, monetary compensation for those killed, removing the soldiers from the protest area and stopping the use of excessive force against the protesters.

Another Madhesi negotiator, Sarbendra Nath Shukla, said their main issue with the constitution was the border of the proposed state for their ethnic group but that issue was yet to be discussed.

Government minister Mahesh Acharya said all the issues were discussed and the team was hopeful for a resolution soon.