Kathmandu, Jan 23: Nepal government on Tuesday invited for talks the agitating groups in terai that are opposing the interim constitution as the death toll in the violence that has gripped the country's south-east region climbed to four.

The government also announced a judicial probe into yesterday's clashes which have left three persons dead and dozens injured at Lahan in Siraha district during protests organized by the Madhesi People's Right's Forum which is demanding more rights for the community.

The government also announced compensation for the families of those killed in the violence.

Two injured during clashes with police in Lahan, where curfew was clamped for the third consecutive day yesterday, succumbed at a hospital this morning, police said.

One person was killed yesterday while a teenager lost his life on Friday during clashes between the agitators and the Maoists, who tried to control them.

Concerned over the violence, the government has officially called for dialogue the different groups in the region, including Madhesi People's Rights Forum and Jatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha, who were opposing the interim constitution as it had "failed" to address the problems of the terai people.

"The cabinet today formally invited the agitating groups in terai to come forward for dialogue," Minister for Industries, Commerce and Supplies Hridayesh Tripathi said.

The government has said it is open to any discussion regarding the constitutional provisions and delineation of election constituencies on the basis of population, as per their demand. The groups are also demanding federal system of government instead of present unitary system.

Bureau Report