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Madhesi demand slammed

KATHMANDU: The demand of the Madhes-based parties to create a single autonomous province in the southern plains has been opposed by many groups. Tharus, an indigenous community of the region are among them.

Though the Tharus come from the same region, they contend that the demand was against the nation’s welfare. They, along with 22 groups, have called for an indefinite strike in the Terai region. Life in various districts of the region has been crippled as transportation is obstructed.

In the capital, the Tharu Welfare Society, Nepal Federation of Indigenous Communities and other groups staged demonstrations outside the Birendra International Convention Centre (where the Constituent Assembly meetings take place) on Saturday against the Madhesis’ demand of “One Madhes One Province.”

The Madhes-based parties Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party and the Nepal Sadbhavana Party have been obstructing the Constituent Assembly since June 26. Chairman of the MJF Upendra Yadav on Saturday said their protest would continue.

CPN (Maoists) leader Mohan Baidya said, “The Madhesi parties are raising issues that could be solved through the CA. Their CA obstruction is just delaying the government-forming process.”

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