Date:31/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/31/stories/2008013154621400.htm

International

50 injured in Nepal serial blasts

Ameet Dhakal

KATHMANDU: A string of explosions in the southern town of Birgunj, 160 km from the capital, has left nearly 50 persons injured, two of them seriously.

The explosions took place just outside the venue where the ruling Seven-Party Alliance (SPA) was holding its joint public meetings to campaign for the Constituent Assembly polls.

Among the injured include chief district officer Bhola Prasad Siwakoti, who received shrapnel injuries.

The bombs went off at 4 p.m., a few metres outside Narayani stadium, where the public meeting was taking place.