New Delhi, Feb 26, (IRNA) Nepalese cities across the Terai plains bordering India have been affected by shutdown and strike called by a Madhesi group demanding greater representation for the region despite government's offer for talks.

Even as the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) Council of Ministers' meeting to clear trade barriers kicked off in Kathmandu, the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum threatened to block all 22 trading points along Nepal-India border to press for their demands from today, PTI reported here.

The blockade will have adverse impact in the supply of kerosene, foodstuff and other essentials to Kathmandu.

The major highways in western Terai region remained closed today affecting Nawalparasi, Bhairahawa, Baglung, and Nepalgunj towns.

The group has been launching a serious of protest programs for the past two months demanding increased representation for the Madhesi community in Parliament and to provide more government jobs for the Madhesi communities.

"We are demanding the resignation of Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula for the loss of lives and property caused due to police barbarity during our protests," Sitanandan Rai, the negotiator appointed by the Forum, told mediapersons.

"We also want the government to form a high-level commission to investigate the deaths and bring to justice the security and government officials and others involved. But so far the government has not paid any heed," he said.

There is growing fear of violence in the region as the Maoists have tried to foil the agitation by the Madhesi groups, resulting in casualties.

In Bhairahawa town at least eight people were injured when clash ccurred between the Maoists and the Madhesi activists on Sunday.