Kathmandu, Feb. 4 (PTI): Three protesters were killed and over a dozen injured in police firing as violent protests continue in Nepal's Terai region.

Two agitators were killed and more than a dozen wounded when police opened fire to disperse the protesters who burnt the house of former minister and Nepali Congress leader Ramhari Joshi at Malangawa town, about 250 km from here, police said.

Another protester was killed at Birgunj city, just west of Malangawa, in a clash between security forces and demonstrators, Independent Kantipur television reported.

At least 18 people, including an Indian, have been killed and dozens of government buildings burnt down in violent demonstrations that have rocked different towns of the Terai region, including Lahan, Janakpur, Biratnagar and Birgunj, during the past three weeks.

The protesters have been demanding greater autonomy, more seats in the national legislature and a guaranteed number of slots in the country's administration for the south.