Strike in Birgunj in demand for new provincial capital

Major markets remained closed as protests and a general strike was called by the residents of Nepal’s Birgunj.  Government’s decision to declare Janakpur as the capital of the provisional headquarter of Province 2 led to the protest by the residents of Birgunj.  The protesters and some lawmakers from Parsa, Bara, and Rautahat districts have warned of forming a new province if their demand for making Birgunj as the capital is not met with. Protests were carried out by burning tires on the streets. Agitators even warned the leaders of more protests in coming days if their demands are not met.