Violence spreads in south Nepal

Violence involving the Madheshi people of southern Nepal is spreading with dozens of people injured on Thursday. Madheshi activists are demanding greater autonomy, better representation in parliament and the removal of hill dwellers from important local jobs. They have called an indefinite strike. The latest violence centred on the towns of Biratnagar and Janakpur. The trouble comes as the threat from Maoist rebels diminishes following an invitation to join the government.