Nepali gov't forms five-member panel to probe deadly violence

The Nepali government formed a five-member panel on Tuesday to launch probe into Monday's deadly violence erupted in Kailali District of western Nepal over the proposed federalism.

A meeting of the council of ministers presided by Nepali Prime Minister Sushil Koirala decided to form such a panel under the leadership of retired senior intelligence officer Deviram Sharma, government spokesman Minendra Rijal told reporters.

The five-member panel comprising senior security officials is entrusted to submit a report to the Home Ministry at the soonest, the spokesman said.

The ministry had earlier directed local officials in Kailali District to carry out an investigation into the violent clash that killed eight people including a two-year-old baby, spokesman Laxmi Prasad Dhakal said.

According to Dhakal, the situation in Kailali District turned violent after protesters, who were demanding autonomous "Tharuwat" province, entered a restricted zone.

Earlier, local media reported at least 17 police personnel and three protesters were killed in the clash that took place in Tikapur of Kailali district on Monday. Endi