Nepal Police fire on protesters; 2 killed

Police in southern Nepal have opened fire on ethnic protesters who have blocked key border crossings with India, killing two in fresh clashes that have also left dozens injured.

Police official Bhim Dhakal said Sunday that police were trying to stop the protesters from blocking the main East-West highway when they were attacked with petrol bombs, spears and bricks around midnight.

He says 25 policemen and several protesters have been injured in two separate attacks.

Ethnic Madhesis have been protesting for months the new constitution that has established new federal states. They want a bigger area and more seats in parliament.

The protests have shut down most of southern Nepal for weeks and closed key border crossings with India, causing shortages of fuel, medicines and other supplies.