LEAD: 25 die, 35 hurt as rival political groups clash in southern Nepal

KATHMANDU, March 21 Kyodo

(EDS: UPDATING LEAD GRAF WITH AP REPORT)

Twenty-five people died and 35 others were injured when two rival political groups clashed in southern Nepal on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported.

Cadres identified as former Maoist guerrillas clashed with the activists of the Madhesi People's Rights Forum over the use of open space for holding their mass meetings at Gaur of Rautahat district, about 100 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu.

Both sides reportedly opened fire against each other, leaving eight persons dead and an unknown number injured.

Details were sketchy but the reports said the Maoists lost six cadres, while the loss on the PRF side was two activists.

The PRF has been agitating for the past three months in the southern part of Nepal, putting forth several demands, including autonomy for the southern plains of the country.

Involved in a peace process with Nepal's seven party government, the Maoists have lately drawn widespread criticism for their ''acts of excesses and high-handedness.

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