As protests in the Tarai turn violent, the Central Security Committee headed by the home minister has decided to take stern measures to quell the violence.

The decision follows the deaths of three protesters in eastern Tarai after a riot broke out in the wee hours of Sunday and amid criticism of the security forces’ “blatant use of force in self-defence”.

A meeting led by Home Minister Shakti Basnet, which was attended by officials from Nepal Army, Nepal Police and the Armed Police force, reviewed the violent protests in Saptari district.

“The actions of protesters were barbaric. We used force in retaliation,” said Laxmi Dhakal, spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs. “We cannot tolerate such heinous acts. Stringent measures will be taken to curb such actions in the coming days.”

He claimed that protesters were armed with spears and other domestic weapons, as in the Tikapur incident three months ago in Kailali district where seven police officials were lynched by a mob.

The meeting discussed the security arrangements to be made while deciding to disperse protesters who obstruct the highway and vandalise vehicles.

“The problem may need a political solution but we have to provide security,” a high-level police official who attended the meeting said.

Sources said Home Minister Basnet had inquired about the Saptari incident and the attack on hospital while senior officials including Inspector General of Nepal Police Upendra Kanta Aryal defended the police action.

Security officials said Madhesi Morcha cadres had attacked injured police officers inside the hospital.