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Madhesi parties form front

KATHMANDU: The three Madhesi parties — Madhesi People’s Rights Forum, Terai-Madhes Democratic Party and Sadbhawana Party — working in Nepal’s southern plain have formed a joint front to press their demands.

At a press conference on Saturday, the Madhesi parties announced formation of the United Madhesi Democratic Front (UMDF) and also an agitation to press for their six-point charter of demands. The demands include an autonomous Madhes state, right to self-determination, annulment of the current election law, proportional representation of Madhesis, women and Dalits in all organs of the state and declaration as martyrs those killed during the Madhesi movement last year.

The front said it would take part in the Constituent Assembly election only if its demands are met. Otherwise, it will call an indefinite strike from February 13; blockade from February 17; and a non-cooperation movement, including refusal to pay taxes.

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