Madhesi groups agree to hold talks with Nepal govt
BREAKTHROUGH Marginalised communities have been protesting against demarcation of federal states in new statute, saying they would be under-represented
After a week of informal deliberations, the main umbrella group of protesting Madhesi parties in Nepal has decided to sit for formal talks with the government while continuing with peaceful protests, including blocking the border.
HT had broken the story last week that formal talks between the government and Madhesi parties may begin soon.
A meeting of United Democratic Madhesi Forum comprising four Madhesi parties constituted a four member group on Sunday to hold talks.
Protests seeking fresh demarcation of federal states have been going on in Nepal’s southern plains and has claimed 44 lives.
“We request the government and related groups to create an environment for fruitful and decisive talks and come up with concrete proposals,” said a release issued by the front.
The protesting parties have been demanding compensation for those killed, declaration of those killed as martyrs, withdrawal of cases against protesters and treatment of those injured as conditions to sit for talks.
“Strikes, blocking of customs points in the border and peaceful civil disobedience and noncooperation will continue,” said the release signed by leaders of the four parties.
Madhesis, Tharus and other marginalized communities in Terai plains bordering India have been protesting against demarcation of federal states in the new statute which they say will keep them under-represented in state and national legislatures.
The protests, which intensified after the constitution came into effect last month, has led to severe crisis of goods especially petrol. Nepal is totally reliant on India for supply of petroleum products.
Despite denials by New Delhi about any blockade and blaming the protests in Nepal as reason for slow entry of trucks into Nepal, Kathmandu has accused India of an ‘undeclared embargo’.
India is unhappy with the constitution as it feels it is discriminatory towards Madhesis and other marginalized groups and blames the three major parties for pushing it through without taking everyone on board.
Protests have remained largely peaceful in recent days, but on Sunday night there was a clash between protesters and police at Biratnagar. A few policemen were injured when protesters pelted stones at them at Sunauli on Monday.
Entry of trucks has increased since Sunday. On Monday more than three dozen carrying petroleum products and LPG entered Nepal through border points at Biratnagar and Kakadbhitta.
At present thousands of trucks laden with goods are lined up at border points on Indian side of the border stretching several kilometers and it will take several days for the supply crisis to be over.