Hundreds of protesters opposing the new Constitution had blocked key trade checkpoints between India and Nepal.

Vital supplies to Nepal were cut off today as hundreds of protesters who were opposing the new Constitution had blocked key trade checkpoints between India and Nepal. More than hundred trucks loaded with essential goods, cooking gas cylinders and petroleum products were stalled at the Nepal-India border due to the agitation.The protesters belonged to the Joint Madhesi Front, claimed the new Constitution does not guarantee them enough rights and representation to the Madhesi and Tharu communities who live in southern Nepal.Madhesis are Indian-origin inhabitants of the Terai plains bordering India.At least 40 people have died in over a month of clashes between police and protesters from the Madhesi and Tharu communities and ethnic minorities who say the new internal borders leave them under-represented in the country's Parliament.The blocked checkpoint in Birgunj, 200 km south of the capital, is as a major transit point between Nepal and India. Though the shutdown in the region was lifted temporarily today due to the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Azha, the blockade continued at the Nepal-India border check point affecting normal life.Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae today held separate meetings with Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli and senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal.According to reports, the leaders told Mr Rae that the two nations should improve their relations and the problems of Nepal should be dealt by Nepali leaders themselves.The leaders claim that the Nepal-bound cargo and freight have been left stranded at the Indian side of the border and has allegedly not been given clearance.Mr Rae stated that the problems were not created due to India, and the obstruction was caused by the protests in Nepal's Terai and Madhes region.