A protest call from three Madhesi parties against the Supreme Court verdict asking Vice President Paramananda Jha to take fresh oath in Nepali has badly hit normal life in several Terai districts Sunday.

Transportation services, educational institutions, industries and bazaars remain largely closed in major towns across Terai. The worst effect of the strike is seen in Siraha, Saptari, Sarlahi, Bara, Parsa, Rautahat, Mahottarai, Kapilvastu and Nawalparasi districts while the bandh has partially affected Morang, Sunsari and Rupendehi districts.

The United Madhesi Front, the joint forum of three Terai-based parties - Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, Terai Madhesh Loktantrik Party and Sadbhawana Party - called the bandh against the Supreme Court order.

Traffic along the east-west highway that traverses the Terai plains has come to a halt due to the bandh.

The bandh organisers organised protest rallies in several districts. In Janakpur, the protesters clashed with police. At least six persons were injured in a clash and police arrested five protesters.

In Birgunj, the protesters vandalised two private vehicles for defying the bandh call.

The Madhesi parties had enforced bandh in Terai Saturday also. nepalnews.com