Nepal fuel shortage sparks protest over blockade

"We sense that this is being used for certain objective - political or otherwise", Rae said, adding, "There is a section which is encouraging anti-India sentiment as it helps them in some way".

The Madhesi have imposed a general strike in much of southern Nepal and blocked a key border point with India, causing a shortage of fuel and other goods in Nepal.

Madhesi groups have been staging protests against the seven-province model of the constitution. During the meeting on Monday "both the sides agreed to resolve the issues relating to the Madhesi parties through bilateral and trilateral dialogue", said Oli's press advisor Pramod Dahal.

This is Thapa's second visit to India, who is also known as a strong pro-Hindu leader of Nepal. "This is important for longer stability in Nepal", he said.

The Madhesi agitation, over calls for to safeguard their pursuits and extra illustration in the brand new Constituion, close to the border commerce factors has been on for greater than two months now.

"Smuggling is going on at the Indo-Nepal border, which is a matter of concern, as it may lead to violence and law and order situation".

The four men were travelling in Nepal's southeastern district of Sunsari early Wednesday when Indian police opened fire after entering Nepali territory, foreign ministry spokesman Tara Prasad Pokharel said.

The fact that the pressure that India probably hoped to level through the blockade has backfired was cemented by Nepal signing an agreement with China on supply of petroleum products to alleviate shortages.

During Friday's protest in Kathmandu, children reportedly shouted: "Stop the blockade".

The "anti India' sentiment that the ambassador refers to is directly linked to the blockade, with Nepalese angry with their neighbour for the high handed measure".