KATHMANDU, Feb 10 - Though the government has renewed its
call for talks to the agitating Madhesi parties addressing some of their
demands, leader of the newly-formed United Madhesi Democratic Front (UMDF),
Mahantha Thakur Sunday made it clear that their proposed agitation will continue
and that they will not compromise with any of their demands.
The three major parties in Terai-- Sadbhavana Party led by Rajendra
Mahato, Madhesi People’s Rights Forum led by Upendra Yadav and newly-formed
Terai-Madhes Democratic Party led by Thakur-- announced the formation of the new
front, UMDF, yesterday putting forth a fresh six-point demand that includes an
autonomous Madhes state with the right to self-determination, and a provision
that allows the parties which field candidates for less than 50 percent of the
total CA members, not to make their lists for proportional representation
inclusive.
The new Madhesi front also demanded proportional representation for
Madhesis, ethnic and indigenous groups, dalits, women and other marginalized
communities in all state organs including the police, army and civil service.
While a cabinet meting today decided to make all state organs inclusive,
ensuring proportional representation for Madhesis and all other marginalized
groups and communities, the government is yet to respond to the other UMDF
demands.
Thakur claimed that their key demands-- an autonomous Madhes state with
the right to self-determination-- is yet to be addressed by the government.
“Our agitation won’t be called off,†he said, “Until all our demands are
met.â€
Saying that the government was unilaterally misinforming about the talks,
he added that the Terai-Madhes people want a common Nepal, common welfare, and
identity.
He further claimed that the Terai people were not even ready to listen to
the word ‘election’ without their demands met.
“The condition of Madhes is such that the people are not even ready to
listen to the word election,†he claimed, adding, “We are not ready for the
fulfillment of our demands in installments.â€
“All the demands can be addressed now,†he said, “If the government is
determined and ready to resolve the national problem in peaceful manner, then I
don’t think there is any demand that cannot be met.â€
If their demands are not fulfilled, the UMDF has warned to launch
indefinite general strike from February 13 and blockade of the Kathmandu Valley
and non-cooperation to the government in the southern plains from February 17.
The other key demand includes a status of martyrs to the 45 persons
killed in the course of the Madhes movement last year, and adequate compensation
and free medical treatment to those injured and/or physically disabled in the
course of the agitation.