“We have agreed in principle that we should amend the provisions in the constitution and other laws to address the Tharu demands,” said Minister for Law, Justice and Constituent Assembly Affairs, Dev Gurung, coming out of a meeting organized by prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at Singha Durbar.
In principle, the parties have agreed to review the term “Madhes” used for identifying 20 Tarai districts as demanded by Tharu organizations. They also agreed to make necessary changes in Citizenship Act and Public Service Operation Ordinance, the two laws mostly criticized by the Tharus during their agitation. Tharu organizations claim the Citizenship Act, formulated under the second amendment in the interim constitution, facilitated foreigners to acquire Nepali citizenship.
There was minor difference between PM Dahal and Commerce and Supplies Minister Rajendra Mahato over reviewing use of the term “Madhes” for Tarai region. “We don’t like to change the laws in a way that would hurt the self-esteem of the Madhesi people,” Mahato was quoted as saying in the meeting. Emerging out of the meeting, Mahato, however, said he called for exploring appropriate way to address the demands of Tharu community.
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