Madeshis attack Nepal president's motorcade

Kathmandu, Dec 16Madeshis on Wednesday attacked the motorcade of Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and hurled a petrol bomb at a well known temple she visited, authorities said.

The incident took place in Janakpur, about 120 km from here.

Activists of Madeshi Morcha, an alliance of four Terai-based parties, were protesting against Nepal's new constitution promulgated in September.

The Morcha had decided to oppose the president's visit as she represents the ruling CPN-UML party. 

Hundreds of Morcha cadres took to the streets in Janakpur against her visit as head of the state, police said. Many waved black flags.

They also stoned her motorcade and targeted her vehicle. But the Nepal Army, responsible for her security, quickly shifted her to a secure place.

Police fired dozens of teargas shells to disperse the mob.

"I have great faith on Mithila and Janakpur," the president said in her brief comments to the media. She spent just over 10 minutes at the temple.

Now the situation is under control, said Senior Superintendent of Police Suresh Shah.

Indian ambassador Ranjit Rae had also planned to visit the temple but he cancelled the trip citing security reason.

Bhandari was appointed Nepal's president in October. She was her party's vice chair earlier.

Protests by Madesh parties against the new constitution have virtually blocked key Nepal-India border points, causing widespread shortages in the country.