Madhesi parties agree to hold talks but protests to go on

KATHMANDU: 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.

A meeting of the 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 for 52 days in Nepal’s southern plains and 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 non-cooperation will continue,” said the release singed by leaders of the four parties.

Madhesis, Tharus and other marginalised communities in

PROTESTS SEEKING FRESH DEMARCATION OF FEDERAL STATES HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR 52 DAYS IN NEPAL’S SOUTHERN PLAINS

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 marginalised 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.