Protesters from the Tharu ethnic group attacked the police with spears, axes and scythes, state media reported Monday.

"So far we have confirmation that seven have died in the protests, including five police and two members of the armed police force," police superintendant Hemant Bahadur Pal told the AFP news agency.

The officers were attacked while enforcing a curfew after a large rally in Tikapur town. Tikapur is located in the Kailali district, roughly 600 kilometers (370 miles) northwest of Kathmandu.

The death toll could rise further, according to deputy district chief Udaya Bahadur Singh Thakuri.

"There are many wounded, they are being brought into the hospital," Thakuri said.

"We have heard reports that...three protesters have also been killed, we are trying to confirm the details," he added.

The government announced it was deploying the army to the remote region, which has been in turmoil for days over the latest constitution proposal.

Strike enforcers

Nepal's major political parties are finalizing a draft of the new constitution, set to divide the country into seven states or provinces. Under the current agreement, Kailali district would be a part of a larger province incorporating far-western regions of Nepal.

However, members of the Tharu minority living in the area demand their own, separate province. Other ethnic groups, including the Madhesis from the country's south, are also criticizing the proposed changes.

In recent days, the Tharu representatives have organized several street protests and called for a nationwide strike.

Kathmandu police arrested dozens of protesters in Nepal's capital earlier on Monday. Demonstrators were reportedly trying to force Kathmandu shops to close in support of the strike.

'New era'

Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam appealed for peace after the latest violence.

"At a stage when we are heading to a new era... we must call on people to not be involved in activities that disturb social harmony and ignite ethnic hatred," he told the parliament.

dj/kms (AP, Reuters, AFP)