Tharus under 'Madhesi' a mistake, admits PM

KATHMANDU, Feb 27: While admitting that the government made a mistake by enlisting indigenous Tharus under the "Madhesi" category, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said on Friday that the government would correct the mistake.



Addressing a program organized by the Tharu National Liberation Front in the capital, PM Dahal argued that the Tharus were enlisted as "Madhesis" under "special circumstances". He said the government would correct the "mistake".



However, office secretary of the Front, Dilip Choudhary, said their struggle won´t stop just because of the PM´s pledge.



The prime minister also told the gathering that the Tharus will be provided with a separate province.



Meanwhile, according to Image Channel television, the Tharuhat Joint Struggle Committee has announced fresh protests against the government move of enlisting Tharu, Danuwar, Kumal and Majhi among other indigenous ethnic groups under "Madhesi" category in a recently promulgated ordinance.



The Committee decided to take out torch rallies and burn copies of the ordinance on Sunday and warns of calling general strike in the Tharuhat province on March 2-4. It has also warned of calling an indefinite strike beginning March 5 unless the government revokes the ordinance by March 4.



The committee also said it has started providing training to its army for "nationalism and identity".

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