Dhanusha district headquarters Janakpur remains shut from early Tuesday morning protesting Monday's deadly blast that killed four people and injured 30 others.

The Mithila State Struggle Committee enforced the shutdown strike, demanding quick probe into the incident and toughest possible punishment to the perpetrators.

The blast occurred near the venue of the sit-in programme organised by the committee at Ramananda Chowk as part of its pressure campaign for 'autonomous Mithila state'.

Underground outfit Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha led by Rajan Mukti claimed responsibility for the blast, but this is yet to be verified independently.

Meanwhile, the United Nations country team in Nepal has condemned the blast.

“The United Nations Country Team in Nepal strongly condemns the deadly attack on civilians at a peaceful gathering in Janakpur, Dhanusha District, on 30 April, which killed four people and injured at least 30,” a statement issued by the UN said.

“The United Nations Country Team in Nepal is deeply saddened by this attack and would like to convey its condolences to the families of the victims and to wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured," said Robert Piper, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, asking the authorities to initiate independent probe into the incident. nepalnews.com