KATHMANDU, Nepal, March 6 (UPI) -- The United Nations on Friday called on police and civilians in Nepal to avoid hostilities after protests became violent and three people were killed.
Richard Bennett, representative of the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal, said Friday that police in Nepal's south-central Chitwan district were using live ammunition in response to protesters. Officials estimate two demonstrators and a police officer were killed in the violence, the United Nations reported.
"I have spoken with the government, the police and representatives of some protesting groups and voiced my concerns about violent protests and the use of lethal force," Bennett said in a statement.
"OHCHR-Nepal is extremely concerned about the use of live ammunition by police."
The U.N. office is calling on all sides to open a dialogue and prevent a further escalation of violence.
