'We want respect and inclusion in state mechanisms'

LAHAN, Sep 22: Bijay Sah, who is seen as an intellectual by the locals of Mirchaiya municipality in Siraha district, said that Madhesis want better inclusion through provisions of equal access and representation in every sector.

He said, "More than their own future, Madhesis who are grown up are worried about the future of the upcoming generation."Sah added that only proper inclusion of Madhesi community will give birth to a 'new Nepal'.

"People are demanding equal rights, not division of the nation. We cannot even imagine the division of the country. If the country breaks apart, our troubles will only increase," Shah said.

Ashok Sah, another intellectual from the same locality, said that the nation should not regard Madhesi people as second-grade citizens. "Attempts to suppress their demands would only instigate anger," he said.

He opined that the government should strive for a consensus through dialogue and timely address of their demands.

"We want our kids to become productive citizens, not criminals," Ashok Sah said, explaining that no Madhesi would want to make their kids suffer by asking for a divided Nepal.

Further, Sunil Kumar Mahato, Siraha District Udhyog Banijya Sangh in Lahan said that citizens have the right to express their dissatisfaction toward any government decision.

"But the government is obliged to listen to its people and address their demands," he added.

He agreed that the concept of a separate state only results in violence and extremism.

Shyam Sundar Yadav, a Madhes analyst, said, "We desire to see equal representation in the decision-making level and not a separate state," he added.

Another analyst of Madhes issues, Bijay Prasad Mishra, added that the nation should look into the demands of Madhesi people urgently. "The protest that began with the demands for equal right and representation is being hijacked by elements asking for a separate state," he added. According to him, Madhesi community is still against dividing the nation.

Fulgen Mahaseth, a teacher from Mirchaiya, shared his grievances regarding how living in a free country has not empowered the Madhesi people to live happily. "We only want to secure rights for betterment of our people," he added.

Ashok Sah further added that above 60 percent Madhesi youths are living in Gulf countries for employment.

"Remittance has helped improve our living standard. But now we want respect and inclusion in the state mechanisms," stressed Ashok Sah.

Related story

Dismal State of Financial Inclusion in Madhesh