Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, a coalition of four Madhes-based parties opposed to the constitution draft, has ruled out talks under the current circumstances. In a letter submitted to Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on Saturday, the Morcha has put forward its four demands.

Morcha leaders stressed that the government and major parties should create an environment conducive to dialogue.

The alliance has called for implementation of the agreements signed with Madhesis, Janajatis, Adivasis, Tharus and Dalits in the past. Morcha leaders said there would be no talks unless the government and major parties honoured the spirit of the Interim Constitution.

“If the government fulfils these conditions, there would be no need even for dialogue. We cannot hold any discussion in the current situation,” Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav told the Post.  

The Morcha has also demanded lifting of the “emergency” imposed in some Tarai districts by declaring them as riot-affected areas, sending the Army to back to the barracks, martyr status for those dying during the agitation and release of their leaders and cadres arrested during the agitation.

Tharu protesters demanding a separate Tharuhat-Tharuwan province have also put forward their preconditions for talks.

Sending a seven-point demand letter to the government on Saturday, Tharuhat-Tharuwan Joint Struggle Committee, a loose alliance of Tharu lawmakers, rights organisations and NGOs, urged the prime minister to address their concerns for the sake of dialogue.

Dhani Ram Chaudhary, coordinator of the Tharuhat-Tharuwan Joint Struggle Committee, said talks with the government would be impossible when the curfew order is in place and their cadres continue to be arrested. Other demands include an end to Army deployment, free treatment for injured protesters and cancellation of charges against them.

Raj Kumar Lekhi, former chairman of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities, said the protests would continue unless their concerns are addressed.

“We want assurance that the government and the major parties are committed to political solution to the crisis. Their activities on the ground suggest otherwise,” he said.