“The UDMF meeting on Thursday expressed support and solidarity with the ongoing agitation of Tharu political parties and organizations for integrated Tarai,” Atmaram Sah, General Secretary of Madhesi People´s Rights Forum-Republican (MPRF-R), a constituent of the Madhesi alliance, told Republica. [break]
Various Tharu organizations and political parties have launched protest programs across the far-western Tarai demanding an “integrated far-western region”.
Vice-chairman of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) Brikheshchandra Lal said, “Whether you call it Tarai or Madhes, both are the same.”
The UDMF also decided to form an all-party mechanism to recommend amendment to the interim constitution in order to address the citizenship problem in Tarai.
“The home ministry will take initiatives to form an all party mechanism within a week. The mechanism will prepare a bill on amending the interim constitution,” said Sah, adding, “The UDMF has proposed Vice-chairman of Sadbhawana Party Laxman Lal Karna as a member of the all party mechanism representing Madhesi parties.”
The Madhesi alliance has also decided to hold talks with Tharu and indigenous communities on the inclusion bill endorsed by the cabinet recently.
“We will hold talks with them (Tharu and Indigenous communities) and if they are not convinced, we are ready to make necessary amendment to the bill,” Sah stated.
Tharu organizations and political parties have demanded amendment to the inclusion bill that proposes 26 percent -- up from the existing 24 percent -- reservation for Madhesis.
According to Madhesi leaders, the UDMF meeting also decided to hold talks with other political parties to expedite the twin tasks of peace and constitution drafting process.
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